M42 timing problem

[SedanSandwich]

Cam timing looks okay from what I can see, crank timing is uncertain from the pics, but if the arrow and dot align you ought to be good. Of course the old screwdriver in spark plug hole one to show that you are in fact at TDC 1 is helpful. That, and the rotation by hand to double, then triple check valve clearance.

You seem to have this sorted.

I think the crank is at TDC. I put a big nail into the flywheel hole and it lined up. Thanks for your help in all my previous threads. I don't think I would have it all sorted without your advice.

[monty23psk]

THe flywheel hold set is tricky. You can wedge it outside the notch area in the flywheel if not using the right tool. There is a slit on the flywheel and if you have something small enough, you can have it wedged on the outside of the slit and not be able to move flywheel. You can confirm my checking crank pulley for the TDC marks again the block to be safe.

[SedanSandwich]

THe flywheel hold set is tricky. You can wedge it outside the notch area in the flywheel if not using the right tool. There is a slit on the flywheel and if you have something small enough, you can have it wedged on the outside of the slit and not be able to move flywheel. You can confirm my checking crank pulley for the TDC marks again the block to be safe.

Thanks for the info. I will double check tomorrow.

[broach328]

yeah, I always use the flywheel lock and peek into cyl 1 for confirmation. Try not to rely on the harmonic balancer method as its less precise. It is also possible to shear the woodruff key on the chain sprocket or the hb, which would mislead you terribly and therefore cause you to unknowingly damage the motor even more. Not sure how that timing got off so badly though.. when you pulled the head, did you did you have the cams locked down the entire time with either adjustable wrenches or the holding tool? The immense pressure on the cams from valve springs causes the camshaft to rotate(very quickly) about a quarter of a turn or so. If that is what happened then you are more than likely gonna have a bad time... and a bent valve or several