Procedure for Setting No. 1 Piston to TDC on Compression Stroke

PROCEDURE

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable and remove the spark plugs (refer to Subsection 2.2.3).

2. Using the lead from the No. 1 cylinder spark plug, locate the corresponding terminal on the distributor cap and mark the distributor housing or the cylinder block boss with chalk opposite the No. 1 cylinder terminal. Release the distributor cap clips (if equipped), remove the mounting screws and remove the cap together with the gasket.

3. Apply the parking brake and place the transmission lever in Neutral. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on stands. Remove the right wheel.

4. Remove the screws and the plastic splash shield under the fender (indicated by arrow).

5. Provide access to the crankshaft pulley bolt.

6. The pulley rim has timing marks that align with the pointer scale on the timing chain cover. The marks are spaced at 5° intervals. The first mark is 20° before TDC, and the last is 5° after TDC. The TDC mark is painted yellow.

7. Turn the crankshaft by the head of the pulley bolt clockwise (viewed from the right side of the vehicle) until the TDC mark on the crankshaft pulley rim aligns with the pointer on the cover.

8. In this position, the pistons of cylinders 1 and 4 are at TDC, but only one of them is on the compression stroke. If the distributor rotor points to the No. 1 cylinder terminal mark, No. 1 cylinder is set at TDC on compression stroke. If the rotor points to the No. 4 cylinder terminal, turn the crankshaft one full revolution (360°) clockwise until the rotor points to the No. 1 cylinder mark. The No. 1 cylinder piston is now set at TDC on compression stroke.

9. By turning the crankshaft 180° clockwise from the No. 1 cylinder TDC position, the piston of each cylinder can be set to TDC in accordance with the engine firing order.