How do I find Top-dead-center on an assembled engine without using the damper markings? (I want to verify the damper TDC mark)

 

You can install the dampener and use a piston stop to verify TDC location. Do this by putting a finger in #1 spark plug hole and rotate the engine in the direction it normally runs until you feel pressure, this is where the compression cycle starts. Install the stop in the #1 hole and slowly rotate engine by hand until you feel the piston touch the stop. Take a felt tipped marker and carefully mark the dampener exactly where the timing mark points. Then rotate the engine in the opposite direction until the piston again hits the piston stop and mark the dampener at this point. TDC is half way between these two marks and probably at the TDC marking on your dampener, if not then the dampener markings are not quite right. With todays modern CNC machining processes I doubt you'll find the markings off, assuming this dampener is relatively new.

I made a piston stop from an old spark plug. Knock out the ceramic center and thread the center to accept a long threaded bolt or threaded rod.

If you don't want to install the dampener, buy a degree wheel and use that instead of the dampener.

 

Damper is already on. The engine is in the car. The method you describe sounds good.

Thanks, I'll give it a try

 

just remember before you go to adjust the valves there are two TDC....one on the compression stoke and one on the exhaust stroke