valve adjustment Tao Tao 150

[dyoung1167]

the timing mark is not going to be right as it is spark timing which should happen just prior to tdc and is really only of use with a timing light. it's a very common mis-thought by many so don't fret over it.
but if you take a short piece of something like chopstick and place it in the plug hole when you think it is tdc. using the plug hole as a sort of pivot point put a little pressure against the piston. now turn the engine a little each way and as the chopstick moves (changes direction) you will be able to determine exactly when you are tdc, then verify if the cam gear is lined up correctly. i doubt more that more than one tooth off in either direction it would even run.

[scooter]

Originally Posted by dyoung1167

the timing mark is not going to be right as it is spark timing which should happen just prior to tdc and is really only of use with a timing light. it's a very common mis-thought by many so don't fret over it.
but if you take a short piece of something like chopstick and place it in the plug hole when you think it is tdc. using the plug hole as a sort of pivot point put a little pressure against the piston. now turn the engine a little each way and as the chopstick moves (changes direction) you will be able to determine exactly when you are tdc, then verify if the cam gear is lined up correctly. i doubt more that more than one tooth off in either direction it would even run.

Yes sir, solid! I got it done looking at the cam lobes and wiggling the crank back and forth, then wiggling the rocker arms and measuring, back and forth with that a few times to find true TDC. That's great advice though. I appreciate both of you for responding.