Reference Card 2.

0: Finding Top Dead Center

Top Dead Center (TDC) is the highest point a piston will reach
in the cylinder block. In order to properly degree and time
camshafts, TDC must be located for use as a reference point.

Tools Required
Piston Stop (FIGURE 1)
5/8 Spark Plug Socket and socket wrench
Flat-head screwdriver
Breaker Bar, or other means of rotating a crankshaft
(dependent on manufacturer specifications)

FIGURE 1

WARNING!
DO NOT USE THE STARTER AS A MEANS FOR TURNING THE CRANKSHAFT.

CAUTION!
Follow the manufacturers specifications for rotating the crankshaft. It is essential that the means for rotating the
crankshaft will not interfere with the degree wheel during rotation.

NOTE!
A device with greater leverage, such as a long breaker bar, will allow smoother rotation and more accurate results.
STEP 2.1: Setup
STEP 2.1.1
Rotate the crankshaft until the #1 piston is
approximately at TDC.
STEP 2.1.2
Adjust the pointing device to Zero degrees TDC on
the degree wheel. (FIGURE 2)
STEP 2.2: Installing Piston Stop

NOTE!

FIGURE 2

All measurements for STEP 2 are taken on the degree wheel.

STEP 2.2.1
Rotate the crankshaft approximately 15-20 degrees
in the normal direction of rotation.
STEP 2.2.2
Install the piston stop into the spark plug chamber
for the #1 piston using the 5/8 Spark Plug Socket
and socket wrench.
STEP 2.2.3
Screw in the piston stop until it makes contact with
the #1 piston.

FIGURE 3

STEP 2.3: Find TDC Degree

STEP 2.3.1
Rotate the piston in the same direction as STEP 2.2.1 until the piston comes back up and contacts the piston
stop. Write down the degree indicated on the pointer.
STEP 2.3.2
Rotate the crankshaft in the opposite direction until the piston comes back up and contacts the piston stop.
Write down the degree indicated on the pointer.
STEP 2.4: Compute TDC degree
STEP 2.4.1
Add both numbers together and divide by 2. This new figure is the number of degrees from either stop point to
TDC.

NOTE!
For example: If the first stop value is 16 degrees in one direction, and 20 degrees in the other, the total would be 36
degrees (16+20=36). This figure divided by 2 would be 18 degrees. Therefore 18 degrees from either of the stop points
is TDC.
STEP 2.5: Adjusting to TDC

NOTE!
Make sure this piston remains firmly against the stop during this step.
STEP 2.5.1
Move the pointer to the new figure (from STEP 2.4) degree mark on the degree wheel.
STEP 2.6: Verifying TDC
STEP 2.6.1
Rotate crankshaft in opposite direction until the piston contacts the stop. If the piston stops at the new figure,
TDC has been found.

Additional information can be found at jegs.com or by calling customer service at 1-800-345-4545.