I know I'm making this harder than it needs to be!, Timing Help!!!!!!!!!!!! Options

[computers4kids]

OK, I've got my vaccumm advance plugged and my timing light hooked up with the inductive lead on cylinder 1. I've read the pelican article on timing and it contradicts my Clymer shop manual. Pelican says you time a 1.8 at 800-900 rpm at 7.5BTDC, while 1.7 and 2.0s you time at 3500 rpm. My manual says its 3500 rpm for all 4s??? Which is it??

Secondly, I'm having a difficult time finding TDC. With the cap off I've rotated the engine until the rotor is pointing at the TDC notch on the distributor. The marks on my housing/pulley are not to be seen. Is it suppose to be near the one flatten blade on the fan? Yes, I rotated the engine 180 degrees as well.

Does this picture look like I've got the right idea for finding 7.5 BTDC?

[Aaron Cox]

you really need to be looking. the marks tend to be toward the rear of the fan (ie closest to the block) vs being on the pulley part. put a blanket down and lay on your trunklid to see.

it also helps to go get an adjustable timing light. it delays the spark X degrees so the only mark you need is the TDC. go get a thing of your wifes nail polish or a paint pen, find TDC and make it visible with aforementioned marking devices.

then take the timing light, set it to desired advance, and rotate dizzyy until you see the TDC mark.

[computers4kids]

you really need to be looking. the marks tend to be toward the rear of the fan (ie closest to the block) vs being on the pulley part. put a blanket down and lay on your trunklid to see.
it also helps to go get an adjustable timing light. it delays the spark X degrees so the only mark you need is the TDC. go get a thing of your wifes nail polish or a paint pen, find TDC and make it visible with aforementioned marking devices.

then take the timing light, set it to desired advance, and rotate dizzyy until you see the TDC mark.

After just getting my 914 painted, I just couldn't get myself to lay on the hood! I did use a mirror though. I looked for the mark in both notches, on either side of the fan with no luck...probably rusted over.

Yes, I did buy a digital timing light that is adjustable so all I have to do is find TDC. There are no marks...I carefully spun the fan. I found the spot where it should be...it looked a little more shiny, and used it at least for today...it was pretty close. The 914 runs like a champ! I'll probably pull the valve covers and adjust the valves someday...and fix an oil leak...perhaps, watching for both valves I can better find TDC. I've never timed and engine with such a poor way of identifying its timing.

Thanks for your advice,