Top Dead Center (TDC) for number one piston – locating
1. Remove the valve cover (Valve cover – removal and installation).
2. A special barring tool, available from specialty tool manufacturers, fits into a hole in the bellhousing and engages the flywheel ring-gear teeth (see illustrations). Remove the rubber plug from the bellhousing, insert the tool, and the engine can be turned slowly and precisely with the tool, a ratchet and an extension. Rotate the engine until the TDC mark on the crankshaft vibration damper is in the 12 o’clock position.
3.2a A special barring tool is available from specialty tool manufacturers
3.2b Remove the cover or rubber plug and insert the special barring tool into the bellhousing – used in conjunction with a ratchet and extension, the engine can be rotated by hand
3. Check the rocker arms for the number one cylinder. If they’re both loose, the engine is at TDC compression for cylinder number 1. Note: This is an approximate TDC setting, but it is close enough for checking valve lash.
4. If both rocker arms for cylinder number 1 are not loose, turn the crankshaft one turn, bringing the mark on the vibration damper to the 12 o’clock position.