I've read this before, but not quite having done it, it hasn't quite sunk in.

When fitting the dizzy, i know you should remove the no.1 spark plug and rotate the engine until the no.1 piston is at TDC. But how to know if it is on the exhaust or intake stroke without removing the rocker cover or manifolds?

Last edited by relaxed_diplomacy on Sat Sep 13, 2008 11:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

stick your finger in the spark plug hole, while rotating the engine with a spanner. You will feel air pushing past your finger as no1 piston travels up(compression/intake stroke)

cheers....

Okay, thanks.

I guess i should have previously said exhaust or compression stroke.

The exhaust stroke wouldn't generate any pressure against your finger all the way to TDC.

Whereas the compression stroke would generate pressure all the way to TDC.

I fitted the dizzy properly today.

First i took out no.1 spark plug, then inserted my finger in the hole, then rotated the engine by turning the harmonic balancer bolt clockwise. I immediately noticed air pushing out. Knowing i was on the compression stroke, i then inserted a screwdriver in the spark plug hole and rotated the engine until i found TDC.

I then lined the dizzy up with the rotor pointing towards "start" and inserted it into a position that upon completion would allow maximum adjustment either way. I found that it wouldn't go in. No amount of fiddling helped. I had a look and noticed a hex in the centre of the dizzy shaft, i reckon this was not lining up. So it seems you don't have the choice of every cog on the dizzy. I then did my best with it and it will hopefully provide enough adjustment.