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Piston Stop Tools

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by vanguard, Apr 24, 2006.

  1. Apr 24, 2006
    vanguard

    vanguard

    I'm getting close to the point where I need to install my distributor and of course I have no idea where TDC is on my motor. I was thinking about using a Piston Stop Tool to help find TDC. I've seen these advertised but have never used one.

    Is this the way to go? Do these things cause problems? All the one's I've seen are advertised as 14 or 18mm? Would one of these work for my '75 231?

    http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=400069+309975&autoview=sku
     
    vanguard, Apr 24, 2006
    #1
  2. Apr 24, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Why use a tool for that? I just did it again this weekend. Line up the timing mark at 0* and check that both valves are closed on #1. Worked 2x for me so far. The other time MOP just put his finger over the spark plug hole and told me when I was on the compression stroke.
     
    sparky, Apr 24, 2006
    #2
  3. Apr 24, 2006
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
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    14mm is prolly the correct one, although you can make one pretty easily from an old spark plug. Just bust out the orcelaing and drill it out and tap it for a bolt.

    WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T USE THE STARTER TO CRANK THE ENGINE OVER WHEN YOU ARE USING ONE OF THESE!

    (They tend to punch nice holes in the tops of the #1 piston if you do.)
     
    w3srl, Apr 24, 2006
    #3
  4. Apr 24, 2006
    sasquatch

    sasquatch I'm big in Japan.

    Kadena AB,...
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    Experience talking? ;)
     
    sasquatch, Apr 24, 2006
    #4
  5. Apr 24, 2006
    53Flattie

    53Flattie Intigator

    Easley, SC
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    x2 - this is the way I've always done it. Heck, I never even bothered to check the valves (b/c I didn't want to pull the valve cover). Put the timing mark on 0* and install your distributor with the rotor button pointing at the #1 terminal on the cap. Fire the engine - if it won't crank or runs really bad, chances are you were on the exhaust stroke rather than compression stroke. Bring it back to 0* on the timing marks, pull the distributor and rotate the rotor 180* and reinstall. VOILA!, everything will be hunky dory.
     
    53Flattie, Apr 24, 2006
    #5
  6. Apr 24, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    R) In my defense I was replacing valve cover gaskets too this weekend. ;)
     
    sparky, Apr 24, 2006
    #6
  7. Apr 24, 2006
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
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    Ssssssh! :rofl:

    BTW Sparky, the stops are useful when altering cam timing. Not sure what Joel is up to, but that is an old racing trick to get more low-end performance from a hotter cam or vice-versa.
     
    w3srl, Apr 24, 2006
    #7
  8. Apr 24, 2006
    jhuey

    jhuey Michigan Jeeper!

    Indian River...
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    Do what Sparky said, Piston stop tools are needed to set adj timing marks, they also punch holes in pistons.
     
    jhuey, Apr 24, 2006
    #8
  9. Apr 24, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    I didn't say they weren't useful, but if'n you're just finding TDC to stab a distributor in why spend the $$?
     
    sparky, Apr 24, 2006
    #9
  10. Apr 24, 2006
    53Flattie

    53Flattie Intigator

    Easley, SC
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    I figured it was either that, or they could be viewed from the hole in the drivers valve cover where the air cleaner hose goes in. (although I was wondering how you got light into the valve cover while you had your eye stuck up to the opening... :D)
     
    53Flattie, Apr 24, 2006
    #10
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