This may be a dumb question, but...

On my LQ9, How do I line up timing marks with no key on the crankshaft? I got a new SFI damper with timing marks, but it can press on in any orientation since there is no key on the crank. It may not be a huge issue, but sure would be nice in the future if I have to find TDC.

 

i put cylinder 1 at TDC and eyeballed it the best I could.....it's not exact but close. I don't really need timing marks on the damper for anything, so I didn't stress over it too much.

 

^^ kinda like that, aim it to a timing cover bolt and remember when on TDC 1 it aims at that bolt.

 

Ok. I kinda figured.

On aftermarket crankshafts that do have a keyway, is it in line with the timing gear key? I was thinking I could use a square to draw a line on the crank snout to get it close; just line up the keyway on the balancer with the line on the crank. Then I could add an adjustable timing pointer to zero it in if I wanted.

 

The timing sprocket/oil pump key doesn't align with the top at TDC. What I did was set #1 at TDC and then eyeballed it with a pointer I had on the motor timing cover. It is not perfect but it isn't off by more than a couple of degrees. I also pinned it in this position using the ATI pin kit.

I use this all the time like when I recently did some rocker arm work. With the Yella Terra rockers, you need to install with each cylinder at TDC so set number one and then simply rotate 90 degrees for each rocker pair. The ATI timing marks make this very easy.

 

Just align the cam sprocket timing marks straight up. You should be very close to number 1 tdc.

 

Ok. Thanks guys.