[454bbss]

has anyone used one of those tools that you screw into block at number one and it gives a whistle sound when you reach top dead center? see pic below.

 

[sz0k30]

The best tool I have found is your thumb. Take out #1 spark plug, put your thumb over the hole and have someone bump the starter till your thumb gets blown off while watching the timing mark on the damper. Works every time.

 

[shovelrick]

I honestly dont think the thumb deal would be very accurate but close, you could still be a few degrees off, JMHO

 

[GTO44]

Those tools should only be used to find the compression stroke and an “approximate” tdc. If you want true tdc you need to use a piston stop, degree wheel, or dial indicator.

 

[Jasons 69 Chevelle]

I use a tool like this. And a degree wheel. Mark a spot once the movement stops and starts at TDC. Then put it in the middle of the 2 marks on the degree wheel.

 

[ruqikr454]

you can use a non sharpened pencil and turn the crank with a ratchet until the pencil stops moving

 

[ruqikr454]

I use a tool like this. And a degree wheel. Mark a spot once the movement stops and starts at TDC. Then put it in the middle of the 2 marks on the degree wheel.
View attachment 721894

Looks like a great tool!
Going to have to get one
and more accurate than using a pencil

 

[Jasons 69 Chevelle]

Yes you could definitely do it with a pencil. But then you would have one less tool that you may never use.😂🤣

 

[Tom Mobley]

piston stop

 

[billdini]

Tomorrow I will finally be firing up the wife's 71 and she will bump the starter until my finger on #1 pushes out air hard and then I will move the crank with a 5/8th socket to the 0 indicator on my harmonic balancer and drop in the dizzy. After I fire I will use my timing light and set it at 12 degrees static. Unless you are planning on setting up a cam or valve timing why would you need more. What are you trying to accomplish?

 

[cheveslakr]

It's common enough to have the factory mark off a couple. SOP to remark or verify the existing timing mark after a rebuild, that's what I assume the concern is.

 

[steelcomp]

Tomorrow I will finally be firing up the wife's 71 and she will bump the starter until my finger on #1 pushes out air hard and then I will move the crank with a 5/8th socket to the 0 indicator on my harmonic balancer and drop in the dizzy. After I fire I will use my timing light and set it at 12 degrees static. Unless you are planning on setting up a cam or valve timing why would you need more. What are you trying to accomplish?

Don't set the damper at zero, set it wherever it will idle, then line up #1 in the dist.

 

[billdini]

Don't set the damper at zero, set it wherever it will idle, then line up #1 in the dist.

Sure I will give that a shot.

 

[Greg P]

you can use a non sharpened pencil and turn the crank with a ratchet until the pencil stops moving

A word of advice: Do not insert the end of the pencil that has the metallic holder with an eraser in it. I could tell you why that's a bad idea but I really don't want to talk about it.

Greg

 

[billdini]

A word of advice: Do not insert the end of the pencil that has the metallic holder with an eraser in it. I could tell you why that's a bad idea but I really don't want to talk about it.

Greg

Let me guess Greg, you erased some horsepower

 

[billdini]

Don't set the damper at zero, set it wherever it will idle, then line up #1 in the dist.

Well the new exhaust gave me some trouble and cost me a couple hour today but the timing is set @ 8BTC just needing 8 wires, some antifreeze, radiator, fan and fully charge the battery. Tomorrow should be a charm.

 

[Greg P]

Let me guess Greg, you erased some horsepower

Okay. I wasn't going to talk about it but I liked your comment about erasing horsepower.

As I was turning the crank with a ratchet, the metallic end with the eraser fell off the pencil and down into the cylinder, on top of the piston. (I didn't use a new pencil -- was lazy and the other end was sharpened.) So, how in the heck to get it out? It was aluminum so a magnet wouldn't work. It was also partly crushed so I couldn't see a way how to stick a wire in and grab it. Did not want to pull the head. So, I bought another tool (can never have too many even if you rarely use them) -- an AC Delco inspection camera. AC Delco ARZ604P 6V Alkaline Battery Inspection Camera With that, and a LOT of patience, I was able to insert and twist a fine wire, bent exactly right, to hook the eraser piece. It is now pinned to the bulletin board in my shop to remind me to think a bit more before jumping into something.

Greg

 

[454chevSS]

if your doing it solo, the rubber off end of badmanton birdie. slight pressure over the #1 spark plug hole causes good seal

bump it till you hear pop, sounds like wine cork going off. Then I turned crank back to 0 on mark. Seem to work for me

 

[Tod74]

has anyone used one of those tools that you screw into block at number one and it gives a whistle sound when you reach top dead center? see pic below. View attachment 721883

I know the guy that invented that. It was called the Whistle Dic. GAPCO in Indianapolis used to market them .

 

[427L88]

A word of advice: Do not insert the end of the pencil that has the metallic holder with an eraser in it. I could tell you why that's a bad idea but I really don't want to talk about it.

Greg

For $8 buy a Moroso piston stop so you dont have tales like Greg's.