Setting the timing on Rangie V8

[walker]

I am just about finished putting my motor back together after installing a 4.6l short motor. Motor is bolted back into the car and I just have to hook everything up tomorrow.

Is there any way to find TDC without removing the rocker cover? (which I have already sealed and bolted down).

[Rovernaut]

If you lined up the timimg marks on the camshat/crankshaft gears correctly when you put the motor back together, then install the bottom pulley and turn the motors till the timing mark on the pulley matches TDC on the pointer of the timing case cover .
Then insert an object like a thin piece of wire into NO 1 spark plug hole and see it No 1 is at top dead centre. If not then rotate the crankcase one complete turn and check no 1 again.
If correct then intall your Dizzy making sure no 1 plug on the cap is lined up with the rotor button.

[walker]

If the timing is 180degree out won't the TDC mark line up as well and the calve be at the top?

[Rovernaut]

[quote="walker"]If the timing is 180degree out won't the TDC mark line up as well and the calve be at the top?[/quote
Yes the timing mark on the botom pulley will line up at 180deg, but your number 1 cylinder will not be at TDC.
It will not be at top of it's compression stroke.
That's why but feeling inside the spark plug hole of number one cyl you will know if it's up the top or further down.
If it isn't at the top then turn the engine 180 degrees and line up TDC on the pulley and feel inside the spark plug hole again. Number 1 piston should then be up top.

Or. for what it's worth, undo the 4 bolts on the rocker cover and see if the number one valves are rocking

[Ralf_the_RR]

OK, here's my take on the topic.

You want #1 at TDC.

This occurs with both the inlet and exhaust valves slightly open (overlap), as opposed to 180 degrees out when the piston is at the top during the compression stroke.

So by feeling the pressure in the cylinder while rotating the engine, you can determine which cycle it's on.
This is achieved by placing your thumb over the spark plug hole.

Inlet - moderate suction
Compression - Massive pressure
Power - High suction
Exhaust - moderate pressure

(the use of a remote starter makes things very easy)

[walker]

Thanks all, will try it tomorrow

[MacMan]

I solved this problem on ours when I had to remove and disassemble the dizzy due to the weights coming unhooked - the rotor had stuck and I pulled up on it too hard.

Compression guage! It allows you to see everything very clearly. Worked perfectly first time.

[Ralf_the_RR]

Originally posted by MacMan
Compression guage! It allows you to see everything very clearly. Worked perfectly first time.

The problem with a compression gauge is that it holds the max pressure (well mine does), so you can't work out what cycle the cylinder is on.
It doesn't show suction.

So if the first reading is on the compression stroke, you're stuffed.

Personally, I'd rip the rocker cover off and look at the valves.

[walker]

All done. The "finger over the spark plug hole" worked great, it was easy to determine which stroke it was on.

Thanks everyone.

[MacMan]

Never had a problem with mine, but hey, whatever works with whatever you got!

good to hear it is sorted.