what's the best gauge/tool to use to determine tdc? can i use a compression gauge and just watch the compression hit it's max? i was looking on the web for one of those dial indicators for tdc. i've never used one, so i don't know what the dial is measuring for tdc. northern tool used to sell one of those stick looking kind but they don't carry it anymore. none of the other local autoparts stores have one listed on their website?
tdc indicators
- Thread starter Pablo
- Start date
#ZERO
Beach Bum
- Location
- Florida - U.S.A.
If you're going to check for TDC with the cylinder head on, Watcon sells a nice tool that will fit the spark plug hole. http://www.watcon.com/Catalog_Pages/TDC_Gauge.htm
Also Harbor Freight tools has a real nice dial indicator with flex arm clamping vise grip base that will clamp just about anywhere.
It works great for checking port timing, duration, blowdown time, TDC, BDC, crank phase, etc and it's only $26.99 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93051
Also Harbor Freight tools has a real nice dial indicator with flex arm clamping vise grip base that will clamp just about anywhere.
It works great for checking port timing, duration, blowdown time, TDC, BDC, crank phase, etc and it's only $26.99 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93051
Attachments
stanton
High on jetskis.
- Location
- atascadero,ca
micrometer and dial gauge are two different things.
that plier mount thing is cute. ill stick with a magbase
#ZERO
Beach Bum
- Location
- Florida - U.S.A.
The magnetic base works well but you have to mount the engine to a flat metal table for it to work.
The clamp-on style base will work anywhere and even with the engine installed in the ski.
Dial gauge then.
#ZERO
Beach Bum
- Location
- Florida - U.S.A.
Here's an el cheapo TDC tool on ebay that would work for ignition timing purposes. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TDC-...ord-Mopar_W0QQitemZ370019963346QQcmdZViewItem
crammit442
makin' legs
- Location
- here
D-Roc
I forgot!
- Location
- Dirty River Rider
i bought a regualar dial indicator and installing it into a used spark plug. i also use a motion pro degree wheel.
SUPERTUNE
Race Gas Rules
- Location
- Clearwater Fl.
Here's a kit from Micro Touch.
http://www.microtouchinc.com/html/tdc_dial.html
http://www.microtouchinc.com/html/tdc_dial.html
how important is it to be precisely exact? i'm installing my first TL and have never adjusted the timing on any ski. if i need to get the mack daddy indicator i'll do it or is it just a matter of getting pretty darn close to tdc and then adjust the timing relative to that marking?
crammit442
makin' legs
- Location
- here
You'll be fine with just a dial indicator. You could be MORE precise using a stop and a degree wheel, but for our purposes I think it's close enough. It's also difficult to use a degree wheel that's big enough to be super accurate with the motor still in the boat. I've fooled around with a large degree wheel with the motor on the bench and have always found my dial indicator/piston height measurements to be just fine. You'll find a spot at about TDC where you can move the crank slightly and the dial indicator won't display the movement. I just eyeball the center of that and use it as zero. You'll be within a half degree or so.:veryhappy:
D-Roc
I forgot!
- Location
- Dirty River Rider
what total loss system are you running? Like Crammit said, a dial indicator is probably close enough. When i used the degree wheel i would guess at TDC and zero the dial indicator. turn -10 degrees and read the dial. turn +10 and read the dial. if your exactly at TDC the dial indicator will read the same both directions. Problem is each degree is almost too big and you can fudge the numbers to read the same just by turning it to the leading edge or trailing edge of the 10 degree mark. Good luck, and take your time. What kinda curve are you going to run?
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I'm starting to figure it out. The degree wheel sounds like the way to go. I can't get a tdc indicator locally except for one i found at my local yamaha dealer and he wanted $96 for it!!! Said it was "real nice." I said it won't get used enought to warrant $100. If i can get away with using the degree wheel i'm gonna try it.
This is my first TL and virgin voyage into timing changes. I bought an old school one from Goose. Not sure if TL is the way to go for my ski, but i thought i'd try it for $300 and find out. If it turns out to be too much trouble i'll just get an enhancer/lightened flywheel combo.
D-Roc
I forgot!
- Location
- Dirty River Rider
TL is the way to go on any ski IMO but whether or not an old anolog used system will be reliable is another thing. If you get a degree wheel you will still need a dial indicator or a micrometer with a end you can probe into the spark plug hole to touch the piston. i think i paid 25-35 bucks for my dial indicator and just drilled out a old br8es to hold it.