Motorcycle Repair: 75 ironhead timing set up, bolton ontario, screw driver

Question
Dear Mike:

  I have a 75 ironhead sporty, I needed to replace the oil pump, when I started to remove the oil pump I didn't set the front piston to tdc, after I replaced the oil pump I can't get get the thing to start.  Could you tell me how to set the front piston to tdc without viewing it through the timing port.
                Hope you can help

                Fred Visco
                Bolton, Ontario, Canada


Answer
Hi Fred,Jack the rear wheel off the ground, so you can turn it. Then remove both spark plugs and rock the rear wheel back and forth until it is in fourth gear. Now remove the front cylinder push rod clip holders to view the lifters and tappets. Turn the rear wheel clockwise, while observing the intake push rod, when this goes up(intake valve opening) keep turning until it comes down. Know place a dull screw driver down the front cylinder spark plug hole and very slowly turn the rear wheel until the piston reaches it's fullest height. YOU MAY WANT TO HAVE AN EXTRA PERSON TO ASSIST YOU. This is your TDC on the front cylinder.