1998 Mercury Mystique Timing Belt TDC

1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE
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TRUCGRAN1975
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  • 1 POST
I have a problem that is beyond my knowledge. i have a car that the timing belt has snapped. My problem is haow do I get the engine to #1 TDC without a normal Distributor setup. I have the camshaft alignment tool and pulley tool on order, but I am not sure what to do about the TDC problem. :cry:
Jan 22, 2007 at 11:58 AM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
if this is an interference motor you could be in trouble...if not take out all plugs, put your finger over cyl 1 not in, over it and when you feel the compression you are getting close! now put screwdriver in hole and turn til it's at it's highest point. This will be TDC! By the way if ya feel no pressure after turning engine all the way, you have bent valves...
Mar 5, 2007 at 7:22 AM

Suggested Repair

Remove all spark plugs. Cover the cylinder 1 plug hole with a finger and rotate the engine until compression is felt, then use a screwdriver in the hole to find the piston's highest point, which is TDC. If no compression is felt after a full rotation, the valves may be bent, which is a risk if this is an interference engine after a timing-belt failure.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Mercury Mystique GS 2.0L with a snapped timing belt asked how to set cylinder 1 to TDC without a distributor. The expert warned that an interference engine could already have damage, then advised finding TDC by feeling compression at cylinder 1 and locating the piston's highest point. No compression after rotating the engine may indicate bent valves.

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