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Engine Inspection and Service

6-4.9.1.1. Crankshaft Top Dead Center Alignment
WARNING
Turn the Ignition Switch OFF and disconnect engine electrical
power before commencing maintenance or inspections.
Confirm continuity between the magneto capacitor and aircraft
ground to prevent accidental engine start during maintenance.
Do not stand or place equipment within the arc of the propeller.
CAUTION: Incorrect timing, in addition to a rough running engine,
can lead to detonation, pre-ignition, possible internal engine
damage, or engine failure.

Gravity affects the timing indicator pendulum position. Prior to
checking or adjusting engine timing, level the aircraft (fore to aft) to
avoid friction on the pendulum.
NOTE: Some starters restrict reverse engine rotation. If the engine does
not freely turn in the opposite direction of normal rotation, temporarily
remove the starter to complete magneto to engine timing.
1. Place the fuel selector valve in the OFF position.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Disconnect the aircraft battery
according to the aircraft manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Remove top spark plugs from each cylinder. Find the No. 1 cylinder compression
stroke by placing a finger over the spark plug hole and rotating the crankshaft. When
the cylinder is on the compression stroke, the valves will be closed and pressure will
build as the piston moves to the top of the cylinder. Pressure buildup in the cylinder
can be felt at your fingertip.
4. Install the Top Dead Center (TDC) locator (Figure 6-27) in the No. 1 cylinder spark
plug hole.

Figure 6-27. Timing Disk and TDC Locator Installed

Standard Practice Maintenance Manual 6-57

15 Sep 2019
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Engine Inspection and Service

CAUTION: Failure to install a new spark plug gasket on each spark
plug may result in incomplete sealing of the combustion chamber,
loss of spark plug heat transfer, spark plug overheating, possible
pre-ignition / detonation and internal engine damage
NOTE: For engines using spark plug thermocouples to report cylinder
head temperature, copper gaskets are not required.
7. Install new copper gaskets on all spark plugs.
8. Refer to the spark plug rotation chart (Table 6-10); mark serviceable spark plugs
with the respective “TO” cylinder number. For all remaining locations, replace with
a new spark plug.
Table 6-10. Spark Plug Rotation Chart

Six Cylinder Spark Plug Rotation Four Cylinder Spark Plug Rotation
FROM CYLINDER NUMBER TO CYLINDER NUMBER FROM CYLINDER NUMBER TO CYLINDER NUMBER
1 TOP 6 BOTTOM 1 TOP 4 BOTTOM
1 BOTTOM 6 TOP 1 BOTTOM 4 TOP
2 TOP 5 BOTTOM 2 TOP 3 BOTTOM
2 BOTTOM 5 TOP 2 BOTTOM 3 TOP
3 TOP 4 BOTTOM 3 TOP 2 BOTTOM
3 BOTTOM 4 TOP 3 BOTTOM 2 TOP
4 TOP 3 BOTTOM 4 TOP 1 BOTTOM
4 BOTTOM 3 TOP 4 BOTTOM 1 TOP
5 TOP 2 BOTTOM
5 BOTTOM 2 TOP
6 TOP 1 BOTTOM
6 BOTTOM 1 TOP

9. Sparingly apply the spark plug manufacturer’s recommended thread lubricant to all
except the first row of threads on the spark plug.
10. Thread each spark plug by hand into the engine cylinder head within one to two
threads of the gasket. If the spark plug cannot be easily turned, clean the cylinder or
spark plug threads.
11. Torque the spark plugs to 300-360 in. lbs. (ref: Appendix B) using a calibrated
torque wrench and six-point deep well socket.

Standard Practice Maintenance Manual 6-65

15 Sep 2019