1993 Chrysler LeBaron TDC Timing

1993 CHRYSLER
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ZUGLET
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I just finished replacing the head gasket in my car and am having trouble getting the timing correct. I did mark the dist. when I pulled it but I ended up having to reset the timing belt. How do I get the thing set so I can start it and then refine the timing. Yes I do have a timing light, but that doesn't help if it won't start.
Jan 21, 2007 at 2:04 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Anyways, pull the number one plug out. Take a screwdriver with a long handle and measure how deep the piston is and mark the screw driver with elect tape or what ever. bump the starter, recheck and remark if it came up higher. Continue this until the piston drops. you should have a good idea of where the highest point is by the lowest point on the screwdriver. To fine tune it, you can manually spin the motor over with a socket and a breaker bar on the crank. Once you have it there, check your rotor position. The closest point to the tip of the screwdriver, yeilds the highest point of the piston.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_30961_tdc_1_1.jpg

Jan 21, 2007 at 2:43 AM
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ZUGLET
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I'm trying to find out the position of the distributor. Like an idiot, I just marked the location of the dist.. The motor wasn't at TDC when I marked it. I have no problem getting the engine to center, it's the distributor that I am having trouble with.
Jan 21, 2007 at 3:26 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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If you have the #1 cylinder at TDC, Then insert the distributor so that the rotor is pointing to to #1 cylinder clock position in relationship to the cap.
Jan 21, 2007 at 9:35 AM
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ZUGLET
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Thanks. Brain cramp.
Jan 21, 2007 at 11:38 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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I have them on an hourly basis :lol:
Jan 21, 2007 at 11:44 AM

Suggested Repair

Find TDC on cylinder 1 by removing the plug and using a long screwdriver to locate the piston's highest point, bumping the starter and then fine-tuning by turning the crank with a socket and breaker bar. With the engine at TDC, install the distributor so the rotor points to the number 1 terminal position on the cap, then start the engine and refine timing with a timing light.

Conversation Summary

After a head gasket and timing belt reset on a 1993 Chrysler LeBaron 3.0L, the owner could not start the engine to set timing because the distributor mark was made when the engine was not at TDC. The expert explained how to locate number 1 TDC with a screwdriver and crank rotation, then align the distributor rotor with the number 1 cap position. The owner understood the guidance.

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