How do you turn the cylinders to set TDC

[masonn300]

I have just done a headgasket on my 300e and i am puting everything back together but am having a problem. I cant turn my camshaft or crankshaft to set it to TDC(not strong enough). when i removed the head i did not remove the crank shaft and i put the timing chain on exactly as it came off so technically everthing is still in line exactly as it was before i took it apart. do i have to set it to TDC(the markings are off 1/2cm) or can i just leave it alone? if i do have to set it TDC, how do i turn the engine to move the cylinders?

thanks in advance

[engatwork]

I'm not quite following what you are saying but I suspect that you have a valve hitting a piston is the reason you can't turn either.

I cant turn my camshaft or crankshaft to set it to TDC(not strong enough).

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by engatwork

I'm not quite following what you are saying but I suspect that you have a valve hitting a piston is the reason you can't turn either.

............and.........don't go anywhere near that start button until you can definitely rotate the engine a full 360 degrees, by hand.

You are strong enough.

[masonn300]

what do you turn to make it move? i have been trying to turn the camshaft sprocket. am i supposed to turn something else?

[jhodg5ck]

Errrr...You need to turn the crank nut..trying to turn the camshaft sprocket you are LUCKY you haven't stripped anything yet.

Do you have a manual for this car?

Jonathan

[masonn300]

i do have a manual but all it told me to do was to line up the markings on my camshaft

[Moneypit SEL]

While you're at it, did you reset the chain tensioner? You'll very likely break something if you didn't.

[masonn300]

i did reset the chain tensioner and did everthing by the book, i just came across a stump trying to set the engine TDC.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by masonn300

i did reset the chain tensioner and did everthing by the book, i just came across a stump trying to set the engine TDC.

Since the cam is driven as 1/2 speed, you need twice the torque to turn the engine. Now, you might not be strong enough.

Get a suitable socket on the crankshaft bolt.

On the diesels it's 27mm. Can't tell you what that one is.

[engatwork]

It is 27 mm too.
Make sure you get a deep socket - 1/2" drive.

[masonn300]

in my manual it mentions turning the crankshaft after removing and correcting the harmonic balacer. do i need to do this? i was thinking leave it alone.