So I have my timing belt off my civic (1996 ex coupe) and I have accidentally moved my crank. Now I am trying to find TDC but have a question.. What happens if I advanced my crankshaft by hand clockwise is that a problem? I am sure I can fibd TDC but I just want to check if I seriously screwed something up by moving my crank clockwise.

Thanks.

 

put something in cylinder 1....crank it by hand til the item is at the top...and your at tdc.

 

There's a mark/arrow on the crank gear that aligns with a mark on the block. That alignment indicates TDC1.

 

thanks but is it bad to turn my cam or crank clockwise ?

 

It won't cause engine damage if done slowly and if you stop if resistance is encountered.

 

why would you think it'd be harmful? how else would to move it?

 

I believe he's concerned the pistons might slam into the valves.

 

Just went through a similar experience. Remove your spark plugs and put a dowel into the spark plug hole on the drivers side ( this is cylinder #1). Rotate crank until it raises the dowel and lines up with the markings indicating TDC. Pay attention here as the markings will line up and you can either have cylinder #3 or cylinder #1 at TDC when the markings line up. This is why you want to put a dowel into the cylinder... You need to know what cylinder is at TDC.

As far as rotating clockwise or counter clockwise. You should rotate counter clockwise. I don't think it will do much damage if any rotating it clockwise... However, if you choose to do so, be really careful. If you experience resistance STOP.

Also, if you remove the spark plugs, you will find that rotating the crank is much easier.