2003 5.7 L3 50 mag MPI — TDC?

[DIY1111]

Hi all. First posting and I hope you can help. My distributor bolt loosened and I want to re-adjust it the dizzy. I believe, in order to do this I need to locate top dead center on cylinder number one. What is the best way to turn the crankshaft pulley? The bolt in the front of the crankshaft pulley seems quite small and when I turn on counterclockwise, it loosens... and, I wouldn’t want to snap it while turning the engine.

Also the crankshaft harmonizer has one marking on it. I assume this is TDC? Looks like there’s a groove it’s supposed to align to...

 

[alldodge]

Don't rotate the engine using the crank bolt

What is your engine serial number?

 

[QBhoy]

If it’s an mpi and the flat cap Diz.

if the engine hasn’t moved without the diz being attached, then you just need to line the line on the diz up between the 2 lines on the space where it goes. In theory. After wards, it may need a slight fiddle my a mm or 2 either way to get spot on.

if otherwise and it been completely out and the engine has moved since, for some reason. Then you really need the dealer or diagnostic tool.

 

[Scott Danforth]

agree with AD, NEVER turn a motor by the crank bolt, because you will snap off the bolt and need a new crank (which is usually a complete new motor)

just bump it around with the starter or pull the plugs and grab the belts

 

[DIY1111]

The engine is: OM634400

 

[alldodge]

The engine is: OM634400

Thanks, wanted to make sure what you have before advising

You have 2 options:

(1) Remove the port valve cover and bump the starter over until you see the intake valve close and continue rotating until the timing mark is at the notch on the timing cover

(2) Remove spark plug number 1 and put a cork or your thumb over the hole. Watch the timing mark and it should pop the cork out as the mark comes around to the timing mark on the cover

Once there, install distributor

 

[DIY1111]

That picture of the rotor pointing is what I need. My dizzy was never removed from the engine, the retaining bolt was loose and the dizzy moved. I was unable to start the motor until I realized this. Now I want to set the dizzy back to its proper spec.

I like option two, pulling the spark plug out of cylinder one and feeling for compression. How can I confirm that the piston is at the top of the cylinder before it starts to head down? Also, trying to figure out the best way to turn the crank shaft without using the crankshaft not.

 

[alldodge]

I like option two, pulling the spark plug out of cylinder one and feeling for compression. How can I confirm that the piston is at the top of the cylinder before it starts to head down? Also, trying to figure out the best way to turn the crank shaft without using the crankshaft not.

In most cases the timing chain and gears are in good shape so just aligning the timing mark on the timing chain cover is normally good enough. If there is an issue and it doesn't run correctly, there is a service bulletin

View attachment HVS clocking Bulletin 2011_11R2.pdf

With all plugs out you should be able to use the serpentine belt