How to Find Top Dead Center on a 3000 GT

You need to find top dead center on a Mitsubishi 3000 GT if you are changing the timing belt or, if you didn't mark the distributor before removing it, installing a distributor. You can find top dead center in two different ways, though if you are working on the timing belt, it is easier to use the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshafts. Unless the top timing belt cover is easily accessible -- this depends on the year of the 3000 GT -- and you are not working on the timing belt, it is easier to use a screwdriver to locate top dead center.

Instructions

1

Pull the spark plug wire off the No. 1 cylinder. Find the No. 1 cylinder by standing at the driver's-side fender. The No. 1 cylinder is the first cylinder on the radiator side of the engine.

2

Stick the screwdriver into the spark plug hole until it touches the piston. Turn the crankshaft pulley until you feel the piston stop.

3

Look at the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley. If they are lined up, remove the bolts on the upper timing cover just enough so that you can pry the cover back to see the timing marks on the camshaft pulleys. If the marks are lined up, the engine is on top dead center.

4

Turn the engine over again, until you feel the screwdriver stop again. The timing marks on the crankshaft and the camshafts should be lined up.