TDC Question for cam timing

[Rickrod3]

I have read 2 manuals on finding top dead center for cam timing.

One says to use a dial indicator to check TDC.
I guess since the pointer can be moved.

The pointer on my bike looks like it has not been disturbed since the paint blob on the screw looks intact.

I do not have a dial indicator but I do have a digital caliper I set the bottom of the caliper flush with the spark plug opening and measured to the piston head.
I got 33.1 mm

Does anyone know if this measurement good.
The manual didn't give a measurement.
Just wanted to bounce this off you guys.

[dbeardslee]

You can get pretty darn close (within a degree or two) to tdc using a long screwdriver (or anything else long enough to fit through the spark plug hole and touch the top of the piston). All you have to do is turn the crank using a 6mm hex head socket at the timing plate. With your hand on the screwdriver you'll feel when the piston stops moving up. When you feel like it's right in the middle between where it stops rising and starts to fall look at your timing plate and see what it's reading. If it's pointed right at the 'T', then it's on correctly and the pointer is properly aligned.

[bikerphil]

If your measurement doesn't decrease, wouldn't that be TDC? I find TDC by eye with a soda straw. The pointer can get bent and that might throw it off, even if the paint blob is undisturbed.

[Rickrod3]

thanks good advise
I guess I was making it more complicated than it has to be.

Rick

[TomRodgers]

I love the "KISS" method.... Keep It Simple, Stupid. Works for me everytime. To hell with complicated crap!!!