Note: The sequence of operations is described on the assumption that the ignition distributor is installed correctly. If you want to determine the TDC for installing the distributor, then set the piston of the first cylinder to TDC, then set the ignition marks according to paragraph 8.
1. The piston reaches TDC at the end of the compression and exhaust strokes, but here we will always talk only about compression TDC.
2. The location of the piston exactly at TDC is extremely important when carrying out many works, for example, when removing the camshaft, rocker arm, drive belt and camshaft gear, ignition distributor.
3. Before starting work on installing the TDC, make sure that. that the gearshift lever is in the neutral position, in addition, it is necessary to ensure that the vehicle is braked in any way. Disable the ignition system by removing the center wire from the distributor cap and grounding it to "mass" wire. Remove spark plugs (see chapter 1).
4. To set any of the pistons to TDC, rotate the crankshaft using one of the methods described below. In this case, the correct rotation of the motor shaft clockwise (camshaft drive belt view), So:
A) the most preferred method is to rotate the crankshaft through one of the drive wheels, which must be jacked up.
b) to save some time, you can use remote starter activation (see relevant instructions) to bring the piston to TDC, the exact setting of the TDC is carried out by turning the crankshaft through the wheel.
5. Find the marking of the first cylinder spark plug breaker on the distributor cap. If it is not labeled, locate it by the spark plug wire.
6. Make a mark on the distributor housing opposite the breaker output.
Pic. 3.6 Make a mark (arrow) on the distributor housing opposite the socket of the high-voltage wire of the spark plug of the first cylinder
7. Remove the distributor cap (see chapter 1) and take her aside.
8. Turn the crankshaft so that the TDC mark on the timing belt drive pulley is opposite the mark on the engine cover. On most engines, the TDC mark is highlighted in white and is always separate from the degree marks for setting the ignition timing.
9. Rotor (slider*) the distributor should be located exactly opposite the mark on the body that you made. If so, then go to step 12.
Pic. 3.9 Together with the coincidence of the degree marks, the distributor slider should point to the mark that you made on the distributor body (arrow)
10. If the rotor is at 180°, then the number one piston is at TDC on the exhaust stroke.
11. To set the TDC of the compression stroke, turn the engine crankshaft 360°counterclockwise. The rotor should come to a position opposite the mark.
12. The TDC of the remaining cylinders is determined according to the order of operation and is set by turning the engine clockwise. Block the position of the high-voltage wire leads on the cover relative to the body. When the engine rotates, the rotor, located on the mark on the housing, will show that the corresponding piston is at TDC of the compression stroke.