In a Honda engine, pistons travel up and down inside cylinders in the engine block and are driven by rods connected to the crankshaft. Top dead center is when the piston is farthest away from the crankshaft. Locating top dead center on the number one piston is critical to many engine overhaul processes such as replacing the timing belt and replacing the camshaft.
Disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal.
Locate the top dead center pointer on the lower timing belt cover. It will be just above the crankshaft pulley.
Locate the top dead center pointer on the crankshaft.
Attach a ratchet to the bolt in the center of the crankshaft pulley.
Rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise until the two marks line up.
Double check by removing the upper timing belt cover and valve cover. Examine the marks on the upper timing belt pulley. They should align with the valve cover mounting surface.
