Timing gear Recess

Dave O

Dave O

Member
The recess/indention in the timing gear that is used when setting the timing on my car is very shallow and I have a hard time finding TDC for #1 cylinder. This is a new fiber gear that I installed when rebuilding the engine. Has anyone else had this issue?

I remember my first Model A back in High School (many, many moons ago!) had a deep indention that the timing plug basically fell into and was very easy to locate. I'm considering trying to drill this new one deeper. Thoughts/comments??
 
My new fiber gear is like that too. The engine is tight which makes finding the dimple even harder. I can't see any reason you couldn't drill it a little deeper, just wouldn't want the shavings dropping down in to the oil pan. Maybe sharpen up the pin a little first?
 
Before drilling, I would carefully check for TDC on # 1 cylinder to verify that the recess is correctly located. Some have been surprised to find that it was off a few degrees.
 
Is there a way to find TDC without removing the head, since the spark plug is offset from the piston?
 
Remove plug closest to radiator #1 look inside,turn crank while looking for piston to come up,( not valve) use light. or remove pin with mirror and light watching for dimple in pin hole.also remove distributor cap for location of rotor.http://modelabasics.com/home.htm
 
To follow up on what Gary said, you can put your thumb over #1 hole and feel the compression starting to build as the piston comes up. Then as he said verify the dimple and the piston on top dead center.
 
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