hi i was wondering how to determine when im at TDC on the compression stroke as opposed to the induction stroke? BTW im trying to do a valve adjustment on my 99 accord 4 cyl vtec. thanks

 

Arnt both valves for whatever cylinder you are doing closed on the compression stroke

 

the traditional way is to alighn the marks on the cam sproket. there should be an "UP" marked at 12 o'clock and two tic marks, one at 3 o'clock and the other at 9 (when it's in the right orientation). this is TDC on cylinder #1. each 90° turn CCW (of the cam) puts the next cylinder in the firing order (1-3-4-2) at TDC.

to confirm you've got the cam turned to the right position, all four rockers on that cylinder will have play at TDC. the other three should have either the intake or exhaust rockers at some stage of lift (so they'll be tight; no play).

i don't know what other info you know or have gathered already.. either way, keep in mind the engine should be below 100° F when doing a valve adjustment. also unthreading (remove or leave them in the tube...) the spark plugs makes it much easier to turn the engine over by hand.

 

thanks a million i had all those lined up so i guess im good to go