
You have to rotate the crank to where the #1 cylinder is coming up on the compression stroke and set it to TDC at the timing pointer. Try to not go past TDC. If you do you have to make a couple of more turns to get it back up to TDC. Do not go backwards with the crank when setting the initial timing.
Full Answer
How do you adjust the TDC on a harmonic balancer?
Look at your harmonic balancer. If the TDC mark is not lined up with the timing pointer, then you will need to rotate the engine in its normal running direction with a socket and ratchet or breaker bar placed on the harmonic balancer bolt. Turn the engine carefully, exactly lining up the TDC mark with the timing pointer.
Where is the harmonic balancer on a car?
At the front of the engine you will find a pulley that will drive the belts to run the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, air conditioner, etc. This pulley is called the 'Harmonic Balancer' and is actually 2 pieces pressed together on a rubber bush which acts as a 'shock absorber' for the engine.
What is a harmonic balancer pulley?
This pulley is called the 'Harmonic Balancer' and is actually 2 pieces pressed together on a rubber bush which acts as a 'shock absorber' for the engine. This pulley is marked with several lines to indicate the position of the engine rotation, measured in degrees.

How do you mark a harmonic balancer for timing?
3:316:10How to Make Timing Tape & Marks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the top mark where the string. Starts will be a top dead center you want to put that with yourMoreSo the top mark where the string. Starts will be a top dead center you want to put that with your top dead center line on your balancer. And then your mark when pulled tight will be your 36 degrees.
How do you set the timing on 10 degrees BTDC?
Install the Degree Wheel on the crankshaft and set it to zero. Turn the crank backwards until the degree wheel reads 10 degrees BTDC. Align the distributor rotor with the cap location for the #1 spark plug wire. Line up the magnetic pickup with the reluctor.
How do I set the base timing?
0:226:33How To Use a Timing Light + Base Timing Setup - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull a plug out of cylinder number one and turn the crank by hand and actually measure when cylinderMorePull a plug out of cylinder number one and turn the crank by hand and actually measure when cylinder one gets the top dead set up that'll.
How can I adjust timing without timing marks?
0:414:18Use A Timing Gun With No Timing Marks "How To" - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI just move the crank with a socket. I forget which one it is it's a thirteen seventy six so putMoreI just move the crank with a socket. I forget which one it is it's a thirteen seventy six so put that on there turn it and when you're time in these vehicles.
What is BTDC ignition timing?
"Timing advance" refers to the number of degrees before top dead center (BTDC) that the sparkplug will fire to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber before the end of the compression stroke.
What happens if ignition timing is too advanced?
If the ignition time is set too advanced then the charge gets combusted during the compression stroke, resulting in the peak pressure achieved inside the engine during the compression stroke. This peak pressure opposes the movement of the piston toward TDC. Thus it results in loss of power and chances of knocking.
How do you set the timing on a crankshaft?
0:542:24Crankshaft & Camshaft Timing Marks on Tecumseh Engines - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd on the crankshaft you have to locate the little mark on one of the teeth here and there. It isMoreAnd on the crankshaft you have to locate the little mark on one of the teeth here and there. It is right where my pick is so you have to line up this mark with the one on the camshaft.
How do I set the ignition timing without a timing light?
How to Set Timing Without a Timing Light Step BY Step GuideStep 1: Get a vacuum pressure, dwell, and RPM (revolutions per minute) ... Step 2: Loosen the bolt that holds the engine's distributor. ... Step 3: Rotate the distributor slowly. ... Step 4: Adjust the carburetor.
How do you tell if timing is off on an engine?
2:124:21How To Tell If Your Engine Timing Is Off - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLight is producing your check engine light is producing. And if it pulls a timing code then you knowMoreLight is producing your check engine light is producing. And if it pulls a timing code then you know your timing is off or there's a problem with the timing.
Does advancing timing increase idle?
Our experience shows that connecting the vacuum advance to a manifold vacuum source will add timing at idle and improve idle quality in gear with an automatic transmission. Milder applications can also benefit from this idea but will require some experimentation.
How do you install a harmonic balancer timing tape?
Locate the top-dead center or “0” degree mark on the. harmonic balancer or timing wheel.Select the correct timing tape for your application. Make. sure you know the correct size of the harmonic balancer. ... Choose the timing tape that matches your balancer's. diameter. ... Align the 0 degree mark on the tape with the TDC mark.
What is 10 degrees before TDC?
We use a dial caliper to make marks on a length of masking tape starting with 0 – or TDC. This means that at 10 degrees, the distance will be . 695 inches and so on.
Is 4 degrees before top dead center?
With the above factors in play, the ignition must be timed so the spark begins the fuel burn sometime before top dead center, or BTDC in engine parlance. This is measured in degrees of rotation. Most engines set ignition timing somewhere between zero and 20 degrees before top dead center. This is called base timing.
How do I find my BTDC?
1:082:41Finding Top Dead Center - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe engine over until air starts to rush out trying to put past your finger. Now look at theMoreThe engine over until air starts to rush out trying to put past your finger. Now look at the balancer. It. Should be coming up on the timing marks.
Which way is before top dead center?
0:536:01How To: Find Top Dead Center - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe mark should be close to the pointer. This is assuming that your bouncer and timing indicator areMoreThe mark should be close to the pointer. This is assuming that your bouncer and timing indicator are correct for the engine.
How many bolts are needed to install harmonic balancer?
Unless I'm confused to install ONLY the harmonic balancer its just the 4 bolts that hold it on to the crank and the centerbolt. As long as the belt wasn't wasn't removed it does not matter if the crank rotates any direction. As long as the timing belt wasn't removed then there should be no need to worry about mechanical timing.
Do timing belts have a memory?
Make sure you mark the belt for direction of rotation unless your replacing it. TIming belts and balance shaft belts hold a "memory to them". Working at a shop we see it all the time on timing belt replacement procedures through mitchell on demand which is an online based service manual
Do you have to remove the harmonic dampener?
You have to remove the harmonic dampener and the timing belt cover.
Do you go by harmonic dampener marks?
Do not go by the harmonic dampener marks. They are not as accurate as the other two marks and should not be considered when checking your timing.
Do you need to remove the crank bolt to remove harmonic dampener?
You don't need to remove the crank bolt to remove the harmonic dampener. Just the four little bolts.
Can you skip teeth if you rotate the crank counterclockwise?
I have read in threads that if you rotate the crank counterclockwise, you can, but not always skip teeth. Defiant said that in a few posts that i search for removal of the harmonic balancer.
Does it matter if the timing belt is removed?
As long as the belt wasn't wasn't removed it does not matter if the crank rotates any direction. As long as the timing belt wasn't removed then there should be no need to worry about mechanical timing. Click to expand... You don't need to remove the crank bolt to remove the harmonic dampener.
Where is the TDC mark on a Harmonic balancer?
The TDC mark on the "Harmonic" balancer is a white line. It is located on the thick metal part of the balancer nearest to the engine block. Read full answer.
What is harmonic balancer?
harmonic balancers by design have a rubber insertion between the hub and the pulley. that rubber breaks and relies soley on friction to drive the pulley. it the tdc mark and the piston position are not correct , that would indicate that the harmonic balancer needs replacing.
How do you set TDC?
You'll find a mark on the harmonic balancer that the pullys bolt to on crankshaft. Other mark is on a tab bolted to the engine to one side of the balancer. There's a TDC mark stamped into this tab for Top Dead Center of the #1 cylinder. Place these to marks in alignment and your there.
What to do if TDC is not lined up?
If the TDC mark is not lined up with the timing pointer, then you will need to rotate the engine in its normal running direction with a socket and ratchet or breaker bar placed on the harmonic balancer bolt. Turn the engine carefully, exactly lining up the TDC mark with the timing pointer.
How to install a distributor in a pump?
Make sure your oil pump driveshaft is in place then place the distributor in the hole. Do not force it. Carefully rotate the distributor shaft until the distributor falls into place. Then put the rotor on the distributor and make sure it is pointing at #1 plug wire terminal on the distributor cap. It may take several tries to get the distributor rotor pointing in the correct direction.
How to bump a starter over?
Have your helper bump the engine over carefully using the ignition switch or you can do it using a specially made bump switch connected to the starter solenoid .
How many degrees before TDC?
The other lines indicate where ignition should fire (Usually between 5-10 degrees before TDC) and where valves are opened and closed (before and after TDC) both ignition and valve timing vary depending on engine/camshaft configuration.
