The way to find the accurate "Top dead" center with the engine assembled would be as follows:
1.Remove all spark plugs and disconnect the battery to avoid accidental use of the starter --Use a old spark plug with the center(porclien) removed and a bolt approx. 1' long welded to the end of it. Install it in the no. 1 spark plug hole.This will temporarly stop the motor before the piston reaches "Top Dead" center. Do not use the starter!!!
2. Turn the motor clock-wise BY HAND till it stops on the temp. plug in no.1 hole. Now make a temporary mark on the balancer at your "zero" on the timing tab(if you don't have a timing tab make a pointer)
3. Turn the motor back counterclock-wise by hand until it stops again. Now make another temporary mark at the "zero" or the pointer.
4.Measure the distance between the marks(in other words the distance the balancer did not rotate) and divide that by 2 and mark that point on the balancer permanetly as that is the actual "TOP DEAD" center.
5. BE SURE TO REMOVE THE DUMMY SPARK PLUG!!
maybe this will help--Paul
