Just a dumb question about breaking in an engine

[JWH]

I read here the other day about letting it cool down after each tank of fuel and make sure the piston is at BDC, well the dumb question is how do you know it's at BDC. Thanks Jim

 

[robmob]

Pull the glow plug then look down the plug hole. You will see the top of the piston. Rotate the flywheel until you see the piston reach the bottom of its stroke.

To make it easier the next time, mark the flywheel someplace so you will know that everytime your flywheel is at that mark, it is at BDC.

You can also do it by feel but the above method is the sure fire way.

 

[Candyman]

Simple as that. Rotate the piston to the top. Then 180* after that is BDC. Putting it at BDC insures that the piston and sleeve will cool at proper rates and that the piston won't jam at the top of the sleeve while it's cooling.

 

[JWH]

I've been a mechanic and a bodyman all my life and since I Read that post about putting the piston at bdc sounded logical because of the taper, but then I started driving myself nuts looking all over the flywheel and anyother piece that moved for some kind of a marking !!! Think I'll have to borrow that bright red nail polish the wife uses. Thought for sure there was some kind of mark, guess thats why they sell so many engines huh

 

[bustedgears]

you can pretty much go by feel. just like candyman said.

 

[Mondragon]

Thats what they make sharpys for, red or black work good. if it starts to wear off just make it again. )

 

[pissant]

i go with the feel of the flywheel. if the flywheel can move easily then the its BDC, if its hard to turn then its at the top.

 

[Candyman]

Think I'll have to borrow that bright red nail polish the wife uses.

I hope to God you mean you're ging to mark the flywheel with it....lol...

 

[JWH]

LOL, well if I do get a drop or two on my finger nails she's got some stuff in her tool box that'll take it off