ok this might be a rather bone-head question but this is the first time ive actually built a motor, im a little sketchy on some instructions i got, it was said that TDC on the compression stroke on cylinder 1 is when the intake and the exhast valves are closed (closet two valves to the front of the truck on the passenger side)
attached is the pic of the valves, what im unsure about is if any what valves should be compressed when i am at TDC on # 1 ???
thanks in advance guys/gals
my firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8


also the cylinders are numbered how 1 being at the rad on the passenger side and 5 being at the rad on the driver side? a chevy guy doesnt believe me :)

i know i have alot to learn but you guys help out greatly!!!!


Trevor:confused:http://www.amtelecom.net/~trevb/valves.jpg

Ford is different from chevy, this can be a major PITA for ford or chevy guys when they work on the other brand. On the passenger side (front to back) the cylinders are numbered: 1,2,3, and 4 in that order. The passenger side (front to back) is: 5, 6, 7, and 8 in that order. 351W, H.O. motors and most roller cam motors use the 1,3 ... order while the 289, 302, a few roller cam motors, and most non roller 302s use the 1,5 ... firing order.

When a cylinder is at TDC on its compression stroke both the exhaust and intake valve will be closed. The valves for other cylinders will be open or closed as they operate respective to their cylinder.

The valves in the picture appear to be closed (can't really tell from that angle).

here is another attempt at a pic
http://www.amtelecom.net/~trevb/valves2.jpg

so when setting TDC dont worry about any other cylinder other than #1 ??

the rocker arms on #1 are loose, no tension on them at all

I assume your setting valve lash? if so put the motor at TDC according to the dampner (this is for cylinder #1 only). make sure both valves are closed (if not turn the crank 360 degrees). set the lash to the cam makers specifications. Next you will need to turn the motor 90 degrees and set the lash on the next cylinder in the firing order (it will now be at its TDC). turn 90 degress and do the next cylinder in the firing order and so on until you have set your lash properly.

Each cylinder has its own TDC, and and every other revolution that cylinder will be on compression at TDC. On a V8 a different cylinder will be at TDC and compression every 90 degrees.

what im trying to do is get #1 on TDC so i can put the distributor in


thanks for all the help!!!

in that case, make sure both valves are closed, and the dial pulley (aka harmonic dampner, aka harmonic balancer, aka ...) indicates your at TDC and off you go.