Piston installation marks for cylinder 1 at TDC on OHV engine
A – mark on the crankshaft pulley;
B – indicator on the front cover
Marks on the crankshaft pulley for setting the piston of the 1st cylinder to TDC on the CVH engine
To accurately check and set the ignition timing, it is necessary to use a stroboscope. But for the initial setting of the ignition timing (after major repairs or if the ignition timing is completely broken), the main initial setting can be made for starting the engine. After starting the engine, it is necessary to adjust the ignition timing using a stroboscope.
Static installation
1. Remove the spark plug cap from the spark plug of the 1st cylinder and unscrew the spark plug.
2. Close the spark plug hole with your finger and turn the engine crankshaft using the pulley mounting bolt until you feel pressure on your finger. This indicates that the piston of the 1st cylinder is in the compression stroke.
3. Continue turning the engine crankshaft until the mark on the pulley aligns with the pointer. On OHV engines, the pointer is located on the front cover, top right of the pulley. On CVH engines, the pointer is located on the timing belt cover above the pulley. On all engines, the "0" mark indicates top dead center (TDC), and the left mark corresponds to 4 before TDC (see Fig. Piston TDC Setting Marks for Cylinder 1 on an OHV Engine and Fig. Crankshaft Pulley Marks for Cylinder 1 on a CVH Engine).
4. Remove the distributor cap and check that the distributor rotor is directed towards the spark plug of the 1st cylinder.
5. Loosen the clamp bolt (OHV engines (arrow)) or three bolts (CVH engine) of the ignition distributor.
6. Turn the distributor housing counterclockwise until the contacts close, then slowly turn the housing clockwise until the contacts begin to open. While holding the distributor housing in this position, tighten the clamp bolt or bolts.
7. Install the ignition distributor cap, screw in the spark plug and install the high-voltage wire tip on it. In this position of the ignition distributor, the engine can be started.
Installation using a strobe light
1. Align the mark on the pulley with the pointer and mark them with white paint.
2. Connect the stroboscope according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the distributor and seal it with a suitable plug.
4. Start the engine at idle speed.
5. Shine a strobe light on the marks. The marks should appear stationary and aligned with each other.
6. If the marks are not aligned, it is necessary to make adjustments by loosening the clamping bolt or bolts and, turning the distributor, aligning the marks, then tightening the clamping bolt.
7. Turn off the engine and disconnect the strobe light.