top dead center...

[SpanishJohn]

How do i know when ive got there. are there any marks etc. or it just a case of sticking a pencil down the spark plug hole and turning the wheel?

Thanks SJ

 

[karlp]

How do i know when ive got there. are there any marks etc. or it just a case of sticking a pencil down the spark plug hole and turning the wheel?

Thanks SJ

Depends how accurate you want to be.

i have always used a dial gauge, measured 5 degrees before and 5 degrees after , mark the points on the crank wheel then go exactly between the two.

By doing that you can account for the 'vague' region where the dial gauge does not move when near TDC.

If you want an approximation then a pencil wil do.

 

[cookie]

i think it's better to go 90° either side really before dividing. it's more accurate. actually, that might be more applicable to a degree disc.

anyway, i usually just stick a screwdriver* down the plughole. it's near enough for most things, valve adjustment etc.


*could be tricky fishing half a pencil out

 

[B4ndit]

Which Spark plug hole does the pencil go in? side or bottom?






Have a look here theres a link to a timing mark on the 12.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=204729

Same markings as the 1150 has. Not sure why they got rid of the hole on the bell housing.

 

[Magwych]

Not sure why they got rid of the hole on the bell housing.

??

There is a hole on the right hand side, inboard of the throttle body, for setting and locking the engine at TDC

I use an odd length of 8.mm bar I found in my toolbox and it works just fine. It is about 4" in length. Place the bar in teh jhole and hold it there lightly with a finger as you turn the engine. I have found taking the front engine cover off and turning the crankshaft by the pulley bolt much easier than trying to turn the engine by the rear wheel; it is worth the extra 5 minutes effort...

It feels as though it passes right through the flywheel, there are a few false feelings to be had around TDC, from the clutch cover screws and the clutch cover; but, when you feel the rod pass through you know it is right.

If this is just to set the valve clearances and rocker end-float you don't need to be accurate +-0.5 degrees, you are setting to TDC on the firing stroke to make sure the cam lobes are nowhere near the followers. A pencil/screwdriver down the top spark plug hole will help you feel when the piston it at the top.

 

[B4ndit]

There is a hole on the right hand side, inboard of the throttle body, for setting and locking the engine at TDC

Someone who knows the 12.

 

[Magwych]

This shows where it is, but you have to imagnine all the gubbins are still in place.