I need to find TDC for the number one cylinder (Chevy 350). Could someone please give me the rundown on how to do this, in such easy terms that amateur like me could understand?

Remove the driver side valve cover. Slowly turn the engine (clockwise) until the number one cyl. intake valve shuts (2nd from front). The piston should now be moving up. Continue turning the engine untill the timing pointer is at 0 on the balancer. You should now be at TDC.

The Vandal

Thanks for the reply.

I can't seem to turn the engine from the bolt on the crankshaft vibration damper. Is there another way to do this?

By the way, I've taken out some plugs, and put the car in neutral, but I can't seem to budge the engine.

If you have #1 plug out, have someone bump the engine over until you feel compression pressure when your thumb is over the plug hole. When the timing mark on the balancer is aligned with "0" on the timing tab you're at TDC for #1.

But how do I get it to line up at 0?

Be careful of turning the engine over by the balancer bolt if the engine doesn't want to turn. They've been known to snap. If you can get to the flywheel ring gear you should be able to turn it that way. Remember the engine rotates clockwise.

Put a 1/2" drive socket and breaker bar on the balancer bolt and turn the engine clockwise (as you look at it) until you hear compression leaking out of No.1 cylinder hole. You should be close to TDC at that point. Merely turn the wrench until the mark on the balancer lines up with zero degrees on the timing marker.

It might make it easier to remove all the spark plugs.

[ August 17, 2002: Message edited by: KULTULZ ]</p>

I cannot budge that balancer bolt on the crankshaft.

I can see the flywheel. How can I turn it (without a special tool)?

It's a slow process but you can use a hefty screwdriver as a lever in the ring gear on the flywheel using the trans case as a fulcrum.

Plan B: Tell us where you live and we'll come over and get you back on the road.

Why could it be that I can't turn the engine with the balancer bolt? I should be able to do it this way, shouldn't I?

it should be hard to turn but if you take all the plugs out that might make it easier if you still cant it could be locked up but then again i have had some that i couldnt turn either and thought they were locked up but then a friend came over and had the touch i guess and got it to turn easily so just keep tryin and i know i have been no help at all just wanted to put in two cents

I worry that I'm going to strip the bolt.

well you can strip it and from what i know which isnt much but you can strip it easily id try the fly wheel thing that the guy earlier told you about i have done that myself many times it takes time but it beter than stripping that bolt well there again just my 2 cents but hope it helps

How do I do this without damaging the flywheel ring gear?

Hey 66: There is a tool called " Fly Wheel Turner" they are available from Harbour Freight. If you have an Auto Zone store on your street they loan tool NO CHARGE and could possibly have one. Good Luck and happy turning Dave E Shank