When I set my timing with the timing light it nevers seems to be right. It will run a bit rough. If I set the timing by feel I can get it nice and smoth.

I want to check and see if the balancer has slipped. But how can you tell if you have the #1 piston at TDC on the compresion stroke. I know how to tell if it's at TDC, but don't now how to tell if it's the compresion stroke or the exhuast stroke?

 

With the motor cold and the #1 plug out, either put your finger over the spark plug hole, or wedge a cotton rag (not a paper towel) in there. Then turn the motor over by hand with a socket & breaker bar. When the compression stroke starts, you'll either feel a ton of pressure against your finger, or the cotton rag will blow out.

http://www.eastwoodcompany.com has a nifty little whistle thing, it's a whistle mounted on a rubber hose & fitting, supposedly it'll start whistling when compression builds up. But I think it's $20, not worth it in my opinion!

 

Cool. Now I just have to hope it doesn't rain this weekend in Central CA. Man it just hasn't let up. We're all most at sea level so driving is starting to become an issue. Well I shouldn't say driving it's more like boating!!