4 replies to this topic

[Mini118118]

Chaps confused and quite frankly bricking it as I have just rebuild a 1380 pre A+ and can't find the TDC markings correctly...I am using an early engine with early damper crank pulley. I am using a A+ timing cover as I need the breather at that end for a turbo conversion. I have a lightened flywheel an now have no way of having any timing marks. Is an A+ timing markings different at the pulley end,my TDC which is scribed in the pulley is coming up at approx 1/2 past the hour if looking at the pulley straight on.

Problem two is Im using a trigger wheels crank sensor bracket and I beleive that the slot alignment (trigger wheel) and crank sensor should be 90 Deg to TDC...worried I've done something wrong!!!!
HELP!

[pmplovesminis2006]

if you have just rebuilt it you have put a key in the crankshaft timing gear as it locates the front pulley as well?

[Mini118118]

Hi yes woodruff key is in...........what confusing me is that early a series had no TDC markings on the trimming cover but did have a marking on the pulley, the A+ has an indicator on the timing chain cover, when I ve put on the early type crank pulley on they don't line up..

[scott_65_cooper_s]

Be interested to hear the responses here... Found the same prob myself today with the same spec ad the OP. Lined the pulley mark up with the timing cover teeth to find tdc on no. 1 so I could set the dizzy. Plug out of no 1 and could see not at tdc. So same issue...

[dklawson]

I assume you have a dial indicator (or access to one) since it sounds like you recently undertook some major engine work.

Take the valve cover off, plugs out, gearbox in neutral, and pull the engine over by hand in the normal direction of rotation (using the fan and fan belt). Stop when you see the piston #1 approaching TDC and you can wiggle the rocker arms for cylinder #1. Now modify your dial indicator. Make a " Z " shaped probe from coat hanger wire and attach it to the dial indicator tip using cable ties or safety wire. Position the Z probe through the spark plug hole so its tip is resting on the top of piston #1.

Turn the engine backwards a bit (say 5 degrees) then slowly forward until the dial indicator goes to its highest position. Zero the indicator at that point. Put a piece of tape on the front pulley just under the timing pointer, then back the engine up again about 10 degrees. Turn the engine forward slowly until the indicator shows 0.020" from the top (0.020" before the indicator reaches zero). Make a narrow pencil mark on the tape immediately across from the timing pointer. Now continue turning the engine forward until the dial indicator goes to 0.020" to the other side of its zero setting. Make another pencil mark on the tape.

True TDC will be at the half way point between those pencil lines. Carefully make a center punch mark between the pencil marks on the tape. Remove the tape and fill the punch mark with white paint. This will give you a TDC mark you can refer to in the future. If you are using an advance type (dial back) timing light, you only need a TDC mark.