TDC Help on SBC Crate Install

[Starwood]

So...nearing the red zone on my GM performance 350/290 crate swap. It's my first (and hopefully last), but this was something I really wanted to do myself. It's been a "unique" journey to say the least.

Along the way, the crankshaft was moved a bit during the harmonic balancer install and it's no longer TDC. Long story...

Anyway, I need to get her set at TDC and I've researched that I should be able to rotate the engine manually by turning the crankshaft bolt clockwise until I line it up with that first Driver's side Rocker Arm #1.

Belts are off, oil pump primed, and plugs removed - but the balancer and crank pulley remain on. (Note: Distributor is seated (cap off), and rotor is currently pointing to Rocker Arm #2).

With these items addressed, it should be able to rotate - not freely or easily - but rotate with reasonable force, correct?

Well, it's really stubborn - and I haven't yet given it my all with an extension wrench - but my biggest fear is busting or breaking that bolt or doing other damage.

Reaching out to confirm if I am on the right track to go for it - or if I may be missing something and headed for a very disappointing Wednesday.

Please reply with any thoughts or tips if you have a sec.

Thanks Fellas.

[cwcarpenter98]

Is your transmission in gear?

You should have to put a little force to it because the engine should have compression if your spark plugs are in it

[Starwood]

Yeah, the spark plugs were already out - but I think you're onto something.
Transmission is mounted but I have not added fluid or set the linkage yet.

I will get that done ASAP and set it to Park.

Thanks for the reply, Man! Appreciated very much.

[nsb29]

Being that it is not automatic it won’t make any difference what gear it’s in you should still be able to rotate the motor have you tried turning it with the starter if this motor has never been turned over and it is a create motor that may have sat for a while it may take a little Initial muscle to turn it don’t quite see how the harmonic bouncer could be out of alignment with the crank but I’ll take your word for it To relocate top dead center you really need to go through the Apart plug hole with a dial indicator and bring that thing up to top dead center Then re-mark your harmonic balancer if your fly wheel is exposed you can go underneath with a large screwdriver or a prybar and rotate the fly wheel by placing your bar in the tooth of the starter ring and leveraging against the bell housing If you cannot move it that way you have some thing is binding
How long of a beaker bar are you using

[Starwood]

Originally Posted by nsb29

Being that it is not automatic it won’t make any difference what gear it’s in you should still be able to rotate the motor have you tried turning it with the starter if this motor has never been turned over and it is a create motor that may have sat for a while it may take a little Initial muscle to turn it don’t quite see how the harmonic bouncer could be out of alignment with the crank but I’ll take your word for it To relocate top dead center you really need to go through the Apart plug hole with a dial indicator and bring that thing up to top dead center Then re-mark your harmonic balancer if your fly wheel is exposed you can go underneath with a large screwdriver or a prybar and rotate the fly wheel by placing your bar in the tooth of the starter ring and leveraging against the bell housing If you cannot move it that way you have some thing is binding
How long of a beaker bar are you using

Yes, I thought about this right after my post. If trans is not hooked up, it should have zero impact on turning the engine. I've rolled it back and forth into garage so it's not in gear. I've yet to use it, but I'll be using a 25" breaker bar. Think I'm gonna give it shot shortly.

[Starwood]

And...IT'S MOVIN!

nsb29: I understand there are two main options for manually setting TDC and yours is definitely the way to go for "absolute TDC." Given my limited skill set in this arena and the fact I won't be racing or anything like that, I'm going with the easier of the two versions I found here:

https://itstillruns.com/tdc-small-bl...y-6777645.html

Thanks again

[nsb29]

That will work glad you got it to move

[geezer#99]

I got a question!
Who installed the distributor?
Was it done right?
Just curious.