top dead center with the crank shaft pointer

[M.PetersenBuildersllc]

How to align top dead center with the crank shaft pointer?

[staninlowerAL]

Looking at your other posts, I'll make a guess that you are referring to a FARMALL M so I'll make a couple of generic suggestions. Usually the TDC position desired is on the compression stroke and usually on #1 piston so some method of determining the compression in the cylinder is required. Some people use a cork in the spark plug hole and when enough pressure is built up to pop the cork out then continue to rotate the CS until the piston is at the max height. You can probably do it by feeling the piston rising with a thin screwdriver or a stiff wire. If you can access the valves, both intake and exhaust valves will be closed. Once you have determined that the piston is at the top, add enough motor oil to fill the bore so you can see it from the top of the spark plug hole. As the piston rises and falls the oil will drop in the spark plug hole. Compare this with the CS pulley and the pointer. Remember this is generic information JMHO Stan

[Glen]

Hi,
There is a Farmall M operator's manual on here, at the top left of the page at Quick links, then go to PDF Manuals.
It tells how to time the magneto to the engine on page 45.
Paragraph 2 tells how to find TDC for number 1 cylinder.
Use only paragraph 2, unless you are timing the magneto also.
I don't know if your tractor has a magneto, or Battery Ignition unit, or if you are wanting to time it.
The manual has battery Ignition unit info also, and has lots of other info. The experts on here recommend reading the operator's manual.