sgull

On my '92 Accord (F22A1 engine) I'm getting ready to planning on removing the cylinder head but am unclear about the required initial step (mentioned in my Chilton manual) of turning the crankshaft pulley so that the number one piston is at top dead center of the compression stroke. Included in the stickied FAQ write-up in this forum (https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-1990-2002-2/how-replace-timing-belt-timing-balancer-belt-water-pump-f22b1-1908944/), is a description and some pictures of setting the number 1 piston to TDC. In the write-up, at step 12, it shows/describes aligning the TDC marks of camshaft pulley as I've copied the picture here, with the the “UP” mark on the camshaft pulley facing up:

Also in that write-up, in step 18, is the method described/shown of setting piston No.1 at TDC by aligning the dimple on the tooth of the timing belt drive pulley with the pointer on the oil pump, as shown in this other picture I've copied here:

However, so far, I've turned the crankshaft pulley to where the white timing mark on the flywheel can be seen aligned with the pointer when viewed through the timing mark window (visible from the front right sided of the engine compartment after removing the rubber access plug), as shown in this photo I've taken where I have it set now:

At this position as shown in the photo directly above, I notice however that the "UP" mark on my camshaft pulley is actually facing down, opposite of what is described in the write-up as the correct position for No. 1 piston at TDC. Here's my picture of how my camshaft pulley is positioned now (and also with the white timing mark in the timing window still aligned with the pointer):

With the "UP" mark facing down, I'm assuming therefore I've got the number 1 piston not at TDC on the compression stroke, and that perhaps I need to turn the crankshaft pulley 180 degrees in order to get the "UP" mark on the camshaft pulley facing up?

However, with the white timing mark and pointer aligned as seen through the timing window, and with the "UP" mark on my camshaft pulley facing down, as I've just described, I notice on my timing belt drive pulley that the dimple is indeed aligned with the pointer on the oil pump, as I understand should be a definite indicator that my number 1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke. Here is a picture of my timing belt drive pulley, aligned with the pointer, at this time (photo a little crooked):

So, my confusion/uncertainty is whether I do at this time have number 1 cylinder positioned at TDC of compression stroke, or would I need to to turn it 180 degrees, so that the camshaft pulley is positioned with "UP' actually facing up? Also, with the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys at the present position, I happen to have already removed the distributor in preparation for removing the head. If indeed it will be necessary for me to turn the camshaft pulley 180 degrees to get the "UP" facing up, should I first reinstall the distributor so that it I can make sure it gets turned correspondingly, or should that not be of concern? Because in the manual it says of the distributor "The distributor will only engage the cam in the correct matching position. This enlightened design allows the distributor to be installed correctly regardless of engine position, even if the engine was turned with the distributor removed."

Any comments/advice per my inquiry here appreciated. I want to make sure I've got the number 1 cylinder at TDC of compression stroke before proceeding with the head removal, and obviously I don't clearly comprehend whether I'm okay at this point or need to turn until the "UP" mark is definitely up and not opposite as it is now. As well I am unclear on timing mark/pointer as seen though the timing window, aligned now, as it relates to the position of the crankshaft and camshaft pulley No. 1 TDC indicators. And am concerned that regardless of what it states in my manual in regard to turning the engine with the distributor removed, that there is the still the definite possibility of getting the ignition timing off if I turn the engine with the distributor removed.

MAD_MIKE

It's a four stroke engine, cam and dist rotate at half speed. If you want #1TDC you will need to rotate the crank 360° to rotate the cam 180°.

sgull

Thanks Mad_Mike. Okay, will do. What about the distributor, should I be concerned about it not engaging the cam in the correct matching position if I turn the engine with it removed? Is it possible when I reinstall it that it'll be rotated incorrectly?

GhostAccord

Not really. The key on the distributor only fits one way into the end of the camshaft.

sgull

Okay, I just wasn't certain and wanted to be clear on whether if the key on the distributor (or the camshaft) were to either inadvertently or purposely get turned 180 degrees after the distributor was removed, that the ignition timing could be thrown off. It does seem apparent by appearance that distributor key could be turned either way 180 degrees and still fit into the end of the camshaft. Thanks, I won't worry then.

GhostAccord

Well if your engine is at TDC all you have to do is make sure that those lines on the distributor housing and the key line up. In the picture that distributor key it is 180 out. Whatever you do do not force the distributor to fit flush with the cylinder head. If it does not want to sit flush you could be 180 out.

sgull

Glad I asked here. Thanks for the helpful replies.

GhostAccord

No problem...

Best of luck with your cylinder head removal...