Idea about how to find TDC- Do Not Use The Pencil Method

Idea about how to find TDC- Do Not Use The Pencil Method

Today I attempted the pencil method of finding TDC for No. 1 cylinder.

Well, the pencil broke off and now I have to remove the head to get the broken pencil and wooden chips out.

But that is OK, since I was wanting to replace the push rod tubes and rear transaxle mounts anyway.

Today I ordered some stainless steel push rod tubes and some other parts from aircooled.net/.

Sleepy Joe

From: John Henry Apr 30 1997, 2:00 am

Pretty cool idea, but I think with the old way you can do the same thing. Pencil in the hole, rotate until the pencil ceases to move up at all, mark the pulley w/chalk. Then keep rotating and stop when the pencil begins to fall, mark again. TDC is in between the two marks (about 5-7 degrees apart). That's the way I have always done it. But I would agree that your method might be slightly more accurate as pinpointing a rotational position as the piston in it's maximum travel speed area is better than doing the "pencil not moving/perception" thing. All has to do with the perception of pencil movement as the piston moves along that sine wave. Harder to detect at the top of the rise. Good idea. John

Reply to
Loosenutbehindthewheel
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Hey, I have found TDC with a pencil, it works great. Step 1) break the tip off. Step 2) test the pencil's flex before you use it. The actual test requires no stress on the pencil. Don't blame the tried and true. Blame the mechanics behind the execution.

Reply to
Funkie

Thats called Squirrel-izing the process... :-)

Reply to
Juper Wort

And is, I might add, a patented process. Licenses are available. Contact Mr. Squirrel for details on our highly-functional fee schedule.

Reply to
Mike Rocket J. Squirrel Elliot

I use a screwdriver. you want whatever long-thin tool that you use to stick straight into the spark plug hole.

hold the tool with your hand. use your other hand to rotate the engine SLOWLY. if you feel the tool start to bind, STOP rotation. reverse, unstick the tool, and continue rotation. You can find TDC %100.

when you are done finding TDC, get a hacksaw out, and saw (engrave) the flywheel with a mark ON TOP, in line with the crank case seam.

draw a picture for yourself, so you know exactly which part on the engine the mark lines up with. better yet, take a picture.

MAKE A NOTE! it makes it much easier to check timing, valves, etc when you know exactly where TDC is.

anytime you get a new (to you) VW, find TDC and mark it, take a picture.

You'll find many marks on the flywheel in most cases. People trying to find TDC with the distributor (IT DOESN'T WORK!)

you could also make another mark on the flywheel for 180 degrees from TDC. You can adjust the valves for 2 cylinders at each mark. You can label both flywheel marks with the corresponding cylinders you can adjust. Use a vibrating engraver to label.

Rich

Reply to
aiiadict

I wish I had read a write-up as detailed as your before I did my famous pencil-mashing trick last year. On the other hand, MY technique can be used to mash pencils, whereas YOURS cannot. A feature or a bug? You be the judge!

Reply to
Mike Rocket J. Squirrel Elliot

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