Warning: The mentioned locating pins are intended exclusively to check the position of the crankshaft when performing various engine overhaul procedures. Not use them as locking tools to hold the crankshaft still while loosening or tightening pulley or flywheel/drive plate bolts.
1. TDC is the highest point in the cylinder that the piston reaches during a crankshaft revolution. Each piston reaches TDC at the end of the compression stroke, as well as at the end of the exhaust stroke. However, to adjust the ignition timing, the TDC at the end of the compression stroke is taken into account. Cylinder #1 is located at the end of the engine facing the transmission.
2. When piston No. 1 is set to TDC, the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket should be aligned with the pointer on the outer cover of the timing belt (the mark on the pulley can be seen through the slot in the cover, below the pointer). Additionally, the timing mark on the flywheel must be aligned with the TDC mark on the clutch housing.
3. To align the timing marks, it is necessary to turn the crankshaft. This can be done with a wrench on the crankshaft pulley bolt. To improve access to the pulley bolt, jack up the front right corner of the car, remove the wheel and remove the wheel arch liner (attached with plastic staples). To make the crankshaft turn more easily, remove the glow plugs (Section 5D) or fuel injectors (Section 4D).
4. Looking through the opening in the clutch housing, turn the crankshaft so that the timing mark on the flywheel aligns with the TDC (0°) mark on the clutch housing (see illustration).
3.4. The timing mark on the flywheel is aligned with the TDC (0°) mark on the clutch housing.
5. On models with the F8Q engine, remove the three mounting bolts and remove the upper plastic drive belt/right engine mount cover from the upper bracket, noting the location of the mounting bolts. On models with the F9Q engine, unscrew the mounting nuts and remove the soundproof cover.
6. Make sure that the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket is aligned with the pointer on the outer drive belt cover (see illustration).
3.6. The timing mark on the camshaft sprocket is aligned with the pointer on the outer drive belt cover.
Now piston No. 1 is set to TDC on the compression stroke.
7. You can check the position of the crankshaft as follows. If necessary, remove the air cleaner housing assembly (Section 4D).
8. The exact position of the crankshaft can be checked by inserting the installation pin - Renault Mot. 861 tool (early version) or Mot. 1054 (the latest version). To do this, unscrew the plug from the front left end of the cylinder block, near the base of the oil dipstick tube, and insert the dowel pin so that it fits into the groove in the crankshaft. You may have to rotate the crankshaft slightly forward or backward (see illustrations).
3.8a. Remove the plug from the cylinder block...
3.8b....and insert the dowel pin to check the position of the crankshaft.
3.8 sec. Cylinder #1 at TDC - the TDC mark on the flywheel can be seen through the opening in the clutch housing - the crankshaft position can be checked using the dowel pin.
Note: Do not attempt to rotate the engine with the pin installed. If the engine must be left in this condition for an extended period of time, it is recommended to leave a warning note in the engine compartment.
9. Finally, remove the locating pin and install all removed components.