True TDC?

[bmx672]

Hey guys, I've searched around and I'm not finding too much info on what I need. Basically I rebuilt the top end last spring. Everything was good! But a few months later I had reoccurring codes: 0340, 0341, 0342 & 0343 (still do) I've done everything! CCT, relays, filters, check valve, tested fuel pressure, tested injectors, coolant sensors, cam & crank sensors, tested voltage at starter and all connectors!
Nothing worked:(
So now I'm thinking the belt may have stretched or jumped. Car runs great but hard starts, especially when warm.
I want to recheck my timing. In order to do so I am going to use the screw driver in cylender 1 trick (which is how I found TDC before)
When I check it though there's a little slop at the top. I'm not sure how to adjust everything with the slop. Do I use the advanced position right before the piston goes down? Or do I use the position right when it stops moving up ?
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks

[customa4]

Step 1: Carefully remove upper t-belt cover. It just unclips.
Step 2: get engine to TDC

This is where it being a manual car makes this super easy. Just stick it in top gear (5th or 6th, depending on how awesome you are), and push the car forward. Out of room? Select neutral and push it back. On a hill? Well...that sucks, I can't help you. The mark on the camshaft (that's the top one!) is what you want to watch here. Get that to be approaching 12 o'clock. That's where the mark is on the valve cover.

Once that is "close", start looking at the crankshaft. You want to get the pulley mark lined up with the "divot" on the metal cover. Look closely:



Step 4: Once the crank is at exactly TDC, look at your camshaft again. If the timing is perfect, you'll see this:



If the marks are way off, you got problems.

If you're still looking for Step 3...just consider that a Beer step and move on.

More info in this thread if you're interested but this tells you how to get TDC.

[bmx672]

Thanks a ton! I'm going to study that and double check mine again!