need help with dial gauge instructions to find tdc

[goingcrazy2fix]

any idea how to use a "dial gauge" to find top dead center - fitting it in the incredibly tight area - making it stay in place ?

engine is in the truck, not on a stand.

engine is 95 v6 4.3l tbi vin "z".

thinking of using a dial indicator from harbor freight :
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch-travel-machinists-dial-indicator-623.html

thanks

 

[98trck]

you will not be able to without an extension on the stem
google 'using piston stop to find tdc'
when it comes to turning the engine by hand remove all the spark plugs so you are not fighting compression in the other cylinders
be very careful

 

[goingcrazy2fix]

98trck ... thanks for the reply..

If I use "PISTON STOP" vs "DIAL GAUGE" or in either case, do ihave to worry about bending valves and such ?

Seems I read a blog about -> removing valve cover and adjusting valves somehow before using a piston stop to find TDC.

I am not a mechanic.

again my engine is a 95 v6 4.3l with TBI

 

[98trck]

you should be able to buy a piston stop autoparts store
and it stops the piston towards the top of its stroke so there is not much that protrudes into the combustion chamber so if it is done right it should not be able to contact a valve and when turning the engine by hand you should be able feel it hit a valve or any other problem
why do you need to find TDC?.
PETE

 

[goingcrazy2fix]

Long story short on why I want to find / verify tdc - "distributor shot" and I am convinced timing wrong from day - it had been wrecked and possibly sabotaged.

The thread that lead to my question & concern about valve damage and rocker removal is below - search for reply by "D-Man" - fifth reply down :
http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157646

 

[98trck]

if you do back off the rocker arms, there no chance of bending a valve
you shouldn't have to find TDC unless the timing pointer on the engine damaged
if the harmonic balancer is questionable it will need replacing
what type of ignition does it have, crank trigger or standard distributor?
if it is crank trigger you can't change timing it is controlled by the ECM
I bet it is crank trigger, then distributor is not as critical as long as it is phased good to the cap terminals

 

[goingcrazy2fix]

crank trigger or standard distributor ?

I am not sure of the terms above. I know I have to disconnect a wire under the passenger side to set timing to "0 deg". Then reconnect so the computer runs it.

The distributor I got was on amazon :
http://www.amazon.com/Ignition-Distributor-Blazer-Bravada-CapriceMalibu/dp/B00OYEKXKA/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=GMC%7C48&Model=C1500%7C424&Year=1995%7C1995&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&newVehicle=1&s=automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive