spark plugs and tdc

[munkee]

How can you tell when the engine is at tdc in the #1 cylinder when the timing belt is off and the crank has been rotated?

Also, are the motorcraft double platinum plugs a platinum core or are just the electrodes platinum?

 

[DeaconBlue]

Remove the #1 spark plug. Using a length of welding rod insert the rod down into the cylinder through the spark plug hole until it contacts the piston. Slowly turn the crank while watching the rod move up and down. Once it's at it's highest point, that's TDC. Check to see if the timing mark on the crank is at the correct TDC positition. That should get you pretty close. Once you move the cams back into their proper postion (as if you were about to install the timing belt), the assembly should be in phase.

 

[munkee]

Huh. Now I feel like an idiot. Sometimes when I get really busy I tend to overlook the most obvious solutions. Thank you, I will do that tomorrow.

 

[sdpatt]

You can also reinstall the lower timing belt cover (one bolt) and the slide the crank damper back on the shaft. You can then just set the white mark on the damper to the "0" degree mark on the cover. You can get it near TDC, but the real test is the white mark on the timing belt set to the index mark on the crankshaft pulley. The index mark on the crank pulley is near the 5 o'clock position and in line with the raised mark on the oil pan.

Scott

<small>[ February 21, 2002, 10:07 PM: Message edited by: sdpatt ]</small>

 

[munkee]

Scott, thanks for the picture. I thought there was supposed to be a timing mark on that gear but I couldn't find it. That ought to make things easier. Thanks!

 

[Shoman94]

munkee:

Also, are the motorcraft double platinum plugs a platinum core or are just the electrodes platinum?

These plugs are platinum on both sides of the electrode.
These plugs are a must on the SHO. Other brands may not fit perfectly and cause a misfire. shoot

 

[munkee]

Shoman94, I think I will go with triple platinum splitfires. I had the motorcraft plugs but it cost me 7.50 a piece (with a discount!) and I can get splitfires cheaper. I know I can get motorcraft plugs online for less but I can't charge them to the company I work for and that is a big plus for me right now. When I first got the car, I put plain splitfires in because no one around here carried the platinum ones and it did just fine. That was also before I found out that platinum plugs were recommended for the car, so this time I made a bigger effort to get platinums. I was just curious if the motorcraft plugs had a solid platinum core that would justify thier price. BTW, engine timing is now done right, thanks to DeaconBlue and sdpatt.

 

[sdpatt]

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use Splitfire plugs in the SHO. Get the plugs made specifically for the SHO, the Motorcraft AGSP32PP double platinums for $3.99 each through FordPartsNetwork.com.

 

[Milo]

I found if your local dealer has them in stock you can talk him down since there is such a ridiculous markup. I paid 3.99 at a dealer.

 

[Shoman94]

munkee:
Shoman94, I think I will go with triple platinum splitfires. I had the motorcraft plugs but it cost me 7.50 a piece (with a discount!) and I can get splitfires cheaper. I know I can get motorcraft plugs online for less but I can't charge them to the company I work for and that is a big plus for me right now. When I first got the car, I put plain splitfires in because no one around here carried the platinum ones and it did just fine. That was also before I found out that platinum plugs were recommended for the car, so this time I made a bigger effort to get platinums. I was just curious if the motorcraft plugs had a solid platinum core that would justify thier price. BTW, engine timing is now done right, thanks to DeaconBlue and sdpatt.

Just as SDPATT and I said, don't use those plugs. Get the Motorcraft plugs for your SHO...Nuff said!