Chris,

This is from an msg from Mark Steitle back in 2005.

“ Joe,

There was a posting some time back explaining how to find TDC, but a search of my archives didn’t turn it up.  I think it was Lynn Hanover who explained how to do this, but I won’t bet my life on that.  This process worked for me on my 20B.  So, I’ll try to explain it for you. 

Remove spark plugs for easy engine rotation.  On #1 rotor (nearest front cover) rotate the engine in the normal direction until you can see an apex seal in the exact center of the trailing spark plug hole.  Mark a convenient tooth on the flywheel.  (Helps to make a pointer)  Then rotate the engine backwards until you can see an apex seal in the exact center of the leading plug hole.  Make another mark on the flywheel using the same reference point as before.  Now count the number of teeth between the two marks and place a mark on this tooth.  Rotate the engine back again to align this tooth with the pointer.  This will be TDC.  Now you can mark the crank pulley at the pointer on the front cover, or just use the this new mark on the flywheel instead. 

Mark S.

Bill B

As y'all may remember I just built from mostly new parts a 13b to replace the one that I think I overheated to the point that coolant was in the rotor chambers.

I have spent the last few weeks since the build and a repair of the PSRU by Tracy rerunning wires to better routes, shortening wire runs (since I made most wire way too long.....to be fair to myself, the Velocity has a 17 foot + run from the IP to the engine/firewall so a bit of excess was expected).  While I was doing all of this I kept tinkering with the engine to verify installation and clean up  and put things in a more "flight ready' condition since most of the concepts have now been proven.

ANYWAY, I am now ready to try to start the engine for the first time.  I believe I have all the hoses connected, the wires secure etc, however, I am not sure as to how to set the initial timing.  I know this has been discussed but I am not sure where. I have an aftermarket front pulley that was purchased by my building assistant David Staten but do not have the docs to it.  The Haynes manual and factory book seems very light on the topic and make reference to a yellow lead mark which my pulley does not have. Dave mentioned a rule of thumb as to setting the crank angle sensor etc close enough to get the engine started, but for the life of me I do not recall what it was. Dave is currently a bit out of the loop (I will try to contact him in the next day or two as well) so y'all's help would be great.

Thanks to Tracy's test modes I know I have spark plugs a sparkin' and injectors injecting, if I can just get them to play nicely with the timing I should once again have a running engine.....hopefully I will know enough this time not to ruin it.

As always, thanks.

All the best,

Chris Barber

Houston