Attention! The sequence of operations is presented on the assumption that the ignition distributor is installed correctly. If it is necessary to determine the top dead center for the installation of the distributor, then set the piston of the first cylinder to the top dead center in the compression stroke, then set the ignition marks.
Piston top dead center is the point through which each piston passes as the crankshaft rotates. Each piston reaches TDC at the end of the compression stroke, then again at the end of the exhaust stroke. In order to install the engine timing mechanism, the top dead center of the piston of the first cylinder is used.
Positioning the piston exactly at top dead center is extremely important in many jobs such as removing the camshaft, toothed belt and camshaft pulley and ignition distributor.
Before starting work on setting the piston of the first cylinder to top dead center, make sure that the gear lever is in the neutral position and the handbrake is applied. Turn off the ignition system by removing the center wire from the distributor cap and grounding it to ground. Unscrew the spark plugs.
To set either piston to top dead center, rotate the crankshaft using one of the methods described below. At the same time rotate the crankshaft of the engine clockwise.
The most preferred method is to turn the engine crankshaft using the crankshaft pulley bolt.
To save time, you can use a starter to bring the piston to top dead center. The precise setting of the piston to the top dead center is carried out by turning the crankshaft by the crankshaft pulley bolt.
1. Mark the position of the first cylinder terminal on the distributor cap. If there is no mark, identify it by the high-voltage wire coming from the spark plug of the first cylinder.
2. Using chalk or a felt-tip pen, make a mark on the distributor body located under the contact of the first cylinder.
3. Remove the distributor cap and move it to the side.
4. Turn the engine crankshaft until the mark on the crankshaft pulley aligns with the number 0 on the timing plate located on the front of the engine.
5. Check the position of the distributor rotor, which should be directed to the mark on the distributor body. If the distributor rotor is directed in the opposite direction, then the piston of the first cylinder is at top dead center in the exhaust stroke. To set the piston of the first cylinder to TDC on the compression stroke, turn the crankshaft 360°clockwise. In this case, the distributor rotor must be aligned with the mark.