Tdc with no viewing ports? Options

[Radmacdaddy]

I'm viewing the great valve adjustment article over at pelican & have my one wheel off the ground to get it just right but I have no viewing ports into my flywheel.

How then can I get the tdc worked out?

I did the straw in the #1 cylinder trick too, put it in & note when it is most pushed out and before it goes back into the chamber... But it still feels like its not just right.

Thought?

[Radmacdaddy]

So, I spent two full days rebuilding the engine under the watchful eyes of some experiences VW'ers and type IV folk in Alburqueque NM at the VW co-op... run by JP Henricksen, a very kind and helpful VW old schooler.

Today I have been 300 miles with 200 to go. I've lost almost no oil.

I seated the rings last night using a "quick" method I'm sure plenty of folk would not agree with, but in my case was the way to go for sure.

I packed all that air movement with about four pipe insulation lengths from Lowes for $10 (I have a few left over if any burn up or fall out).

She is running REALLY sweetly. Cruising at 55-60 smoothly.

I did change the oil after about two hours running and will again in the morning.

Thanks for the tips all!