Finding TDC on number 1?

Hi folks. I've need to find TDC on #1 to fit an electronic distributor tomorrow. The destructions say something about setting the engine as above. What's the easiest method? It's not like I'm setting the tappets so is getting the rotor are pointing at lead 1 sufficient? Any guidance/advice welcome.

PS lovely SWB S3 with canvas back rolled up at Wittering beach today, anyone here?

theres a mark on the crank pulley and a pointer or should be,or take a spark plug out poke a stick down and turn till stick reaches its highest point valves on no4 should both have pressure and valves on no1 both have a gap

Can always rely on JM for a solid answer, thank you.

How does one know if there is pressure in a particular pot?

I always plug the plug hole with my thumb to feel for the compression. When I feel the pressure building I know I'm on the compression stroke so I take my thumb away and keep turning until the TDC mark lines up. Saves taking the distributor cap or the valve cover off...

Brill thanks, I'm trying my best to not have to take the rocker cover off!

Rubins4 said:

Can always rely on JM for a solid answer, thank you.

How does one know if there is pressure in a particular pot?

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not pressure in the pot the rocker arms will be tight on no4 as both are slightly open this is called been on the rock, which means no1 valves will be both shut and so rocker arms both have a gap as tdc after compression stroke

Some further tips? If the distributor is still fitted, you can always turn the engine until the rotor arm approaches No 1 point on the cap then turn until the marks line up.
If you accidentally go past the mark, don't just reverse direction back to the mark; always go back half a rotation or so before going forward again to line up the marks. There is some slop in the works and just going back to the line will not be accurate.

There's no slop in my big end, thank you very much

I'll give it a go today and let you know how I get on.

Rubins4 said:

There's no slop in my big end, thank you very much

I'll give it a go today and let you know how I get on.

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Really? I always find a dab of vaseline helpful when my big end is not sloppy.