Finding top dead center, or TDC, on the number one cylinder is a relatively straightforward task. On a four-cycle engine, each piston reaches TDC twice in a combustion cycle--once at the end of the compression stroke, and once at the end of the exhaust stroke. We can find TDC easily enough by simply aligning the TDC mark (the 0 degree mark) on the crankshaft damper with the timing pointer; however, this doesn't tell us if the engine is on the compression stroke or the exhaust stroke. Usually we're concerned with finding TDC at the end of the compression stroke. The process of finding TDC at the end of the compression stroke is called "dead timing" the engine.
Remove the coil wire to prevent the engine from starting.
Remove the number one spark plug. The number one plug varies; consult a shop manual for your engine to identify the number one cylinder.
Attach the remote starter switch to the positive terminal on the battery and the switch terminal (the smaller terminal) on the car's starter.
Hold your thumb over the spark plug hole, crank the engine using the remote starter switch. You'll feel pressure build up as the piston nears TDC. When the pressure reaches its peak, the piston is at TDC. Release the remote starter switch.
Align the TDC mark on the crankshaft damper with the timing pointer, using the wrench and crankshaft socket.
