1987 300D OM603 TDC Generator Pin
 

I have been searching for the postion on TDC for a 1987 300d OM603 engine. I want to make sure that I do in fact have it set to TDC before I install new head gasket and recondition head #20. When I pulled the head off the only marking on the crank shaft pulley was a PIN. I guess this is call a TDC generator pin with this pin in line number one and six clinder are up to the highest point. I stll have not recieved my CD to gather this information. Your help is greatly appreciated

There is a pointer bolted to the front cover at about the 11 o'clock position viewed from ahead of the engine. There are timing marks etched into the largest diameter of the crank pulley. The main segment reads from about 30 BTDC to 30 ATDC. It's easier to see the crank pulley marks from below. Paint a white stripe on the TDC mark to make it easier to see contrasting pointer.

Sixto
87 300D

Oh, next time, set the engine to TDC before you pull the head. The cam tower tightening/loosening sequence is only valid with the cam at TDC.

Sixto
87 300D

So If the number 1 and six pistion is at it highest point will this consider being at TDC?

Yes but if the IP is still on the block then you have to make sure it's on TDC #1, not TDC #6. If you have the IP locking tool, use it to find 14-15* ATDC then skip TDC once to get to TDC #1. Or eyeball the lug with a mirror through the locking tool port.

I can't imagine turning the engine and IP that much without the cam in place, though.

Sixto
87 300D

So when I pulled the head off I guss I did set it to TDC with the generator pin on the mark but I dont remember if the cam shaft mark was UP showing on top can you tell with looking at the engine?





http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/5/0/5...54885737_o.jpg





http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/5/0/5...54885709_o.jpg

So here is the number One cylinder look at what happen to the gasket what a mess











http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/5/0/5...54885681_o.jpg

#2 exhaust is open and #3 intake is open sure looks like #1 compression TDC to me :)

I take it you put the cam back as it was after pulling the head. Otherwise how did you pull the head without pulling the cam?

[edit] deleted statement about advancing crank before installing IP since IP is in place

Sixto
87 300D