I know the best way to get ones engine to TDC is to remove the valve cover and turn the engine till #1 is on the compression stroke. Is there anyway to find TDC without pulling the valve cover off? I have a 91 f150 5.0. Thanks

 

Pull all the sparkplugs
Stuff a wad of tissue paper in the #1 sparkplug hole.
Turn the engine with a wrench on the damper to bring it quickly up to TDC
If it's on the compression stroke, it will (usually) spit the tissue out

 

thanks strange ranger. My truck isn't starting and I am trying to diagnose, just needed this info for future reference. It is turning over but will not start. Thanks again.

 

Have you checked for spark and fuel?

 

checking for spark today ...seems like the problem may be somewhere in the ignition portion. Fuel has to be there because you can smell it and when I took the plugs out they smelled of fuel. So like I said, checking spark in probably an hour, I will get back and let you know how it goes ...thanks glc......annnnnnnd there's no freaking spark, any suggestions on what to do next? I am going to search past listings but advice is appreciated thanks to all.

 

Coil, TFI module, or PIP sensor (stator).

 

The coil, plug wires, distributor cap are all brand new for the truck, so I will check module next then the pip sensor. Thanks ymeski.

 

strangeranger do I have to pull all the plugs or can I do that trick with just pulling the #1?

 

You'll never turn the engine by hand with plugs in it.

 

Gee, great time for a compression check too!!!

 

Ok thanks guys, I had it set perfectly then it was late and i was tired and freaking mounted the distributor wrong. So now I have all new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, module and pip sensor. Just gotta reset tdc and then hopefully it will fire. Thanks again for everythign guys

 

FINALLY got her running!! First time in 2 years. That baby was extremly loud with the LT's on there and no exhaust. Just wanted to thank all you guys for the help!!! I will try to post some videos when I get the exhaust on, money allowing, I am hoping some time next month. Thanks again guys!

 

i could turn my old 302 over by hand with all plugs in... can you say no compression?!