Got my own timing question

[jdbubb at verizon.net (Dan Bubb)]

If the new flywheel has no timing mark, or more importantly, the cast "0" TDC mark, then you can do two things.
1. You can set it next to a flywheel that does have the mark and try to copy it's location as accurately as possible.
2. you can determine engine TDC and mark the flywheel to match the timing pointer on the bellhousing.
I do this by screwing a bolt down the #1 spark plug hole (special modified spark plug) that will contact the piston near TDC. Turn the engine one way (Gently!) until it contacts the bolt, mark the flywheel, turn the engine the other way til it touches the bolt, mark the flywheel. TDC is midway between the two marks. Ta Da!
Better if the bolt is set so the engine is just a couple degrees from TDC when it contacts the piston. That way the two marks are not that far apart and there are no effects from offset piston pins and other minor details.
The hardest part to doing this is modifying the spark plug to tap it and run a bolt down its center, mostly cause knocking the ceramic out of the center of it is unbelievably hard!
It's handy to be able to do this when you find out that some jackass has managed to install the flywheel incorrectly and there are no timing marks anywhere near TDC. ;^)
Dan

From: "Andy Hartsig" <hartsiga@msu.edu>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2006 9:55 AM
Subject: Got my own timing question


> Ok with all this talk of timing I've got my own question. In the process of 
> replacing my trans I've also replaced the flywheel with a lightened one. I 
> noticed in the Bently that there may not be a timing mark on the replacement 
> flywheel. So what do I have to do to make a new mark?  I'm guessing roll the 
> thing to TDC and scribe/cut a mark on it?  I don't have my Bently here at my 
> Apt since it's with the car at my folk's place.
> 
> thanks,
> Andy 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Scirocco-l mailing list
> Scirocco-l@scirocco.org
> http://neubayern.net/mailman/listinfo/scirocco-l
>