How to know when at tdc (comp.) when the head is off?

[kalebarellano]

Ok, I took my engine apart (I had it at TDC (comp.) before I took it apart) and while the cylinder was off, I moved the rod down. So I moved it back up then down then up again to get it back to TDC (comp.). Is there anyway this could be bad? Does it even matter which TDC its on since the head is off?

Thanks

[NacsMXer]

It shouldn't really matter. Everything in the head is what determines TDC compression stroke or TDC exhaust stroke so without it you are just left with plain old TDC. Just line up the T mark with the notch on the flywheel hole to ensure TDC and reassemble/time it. Be careful with that timing chain though, it likes to get itself bound up in the gears if you're not careful while you rotate the crank.

[kalebarellano]

Ya, I had my sister hold the timing chain while I turned it over.

thanks