THE SKID FACTORY - Finding True Top Dead Centre

Al and Woody share some tips for dialling in true top dead centre (TDC) when setting up an engine during a build and for tuning.
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Please note: We like to make interesting car mods and show you how we've gone about it, but we can't promise that anything we show you will work for your particular car, or that you won't harm yourself, someone else, your car or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and unless you know what you're doing, do not fool around with very serious machinery just because you've seen us make it look so easy.

[@mattyb4059]

Keep up the good work fellas. A very good show much better than most the rubbish on KZbin. STRAYA!!!!

[@jamesworley2674]

Much better than the parent channel, IMHO!

[@pawpawtina]

7:42 i like how he can frown and smirk at the same time...

[@DgtlOutcst]

I could listen to Al calmly and clearly explaining things all day long.

[@ATH-nj6oe]

I used that method of finding TDC in 1974, I'm glad the old ways are still unforgotten ( STC Broadway Sydney.)

[@andrewkirk701]

How to diagnose a blow head gasket properly, how to set ignition timing, just a couple that come to mind. Keep up the good work al and woody 👌🏼🤙🏼

[@TrashDeviant]

How to diagnose a blown head gasket: Ask for advice on the internet. 9/10 will say head gasket

[@andrewkirk701]

Thrashdeviant indeed, although they’re somewhat correct as any overheating issue left untreated will lead to head gasket failure.or simply subarulife 😂

[@TrashDeviant]

@@andrewkirk701 Good point. Also Daihatsus are terrible for it. Pod filter full of chocolate milk. Delicious.

[@aussieguy1012]

You can use those kits that test the coolant for excess gases caused by combustion chamber leakage.

[@aussieguy1012]

And yes the 7m hadd head studs issues toyota themselves released a revision kit to remedy it.

[@coryhalvorson8874]

I'd really like to see more purpose built tools, seeing how other people solve problems by making their own tools helps inspire greatness. Thanks guys!

[@TrashDeviant]

I have part of an AU Falcon steering column that I use as a clutch alignment tool for Honda D series

[@juststeve5542]

@@TrashDeviant I've got several bits of turned broom handle for clutch alignment... and an increasingly short broom!

[@toranaandy2245]

A small lathe is one of the best tools you can buy for making your own tools. The number of clutch aligning tools, bearing drivers and seal drivers we have at work is amazing. Always have some alloy stock and nylon stock on hand for making up new ones. Don’t forget to use letter punches to write what they suit on them, makes it heaps easier to I.D. later on🤙

[@coryhalvorson8874]

Thanks for the ideas guys!

[@Neishy4AGTE]

Ahh to own a lathe and/or mill that is the dream.

[@nismojdm5950]

I would sit and listen to Al for days, He's such a legend.

[@peter3352]

I don't care what you guys make, any videos you publish are amazing. No bullshit, just good information, a laugh or two and great content. No b is for build bs or any of the other trash ass channels. Keep doing this and I will keep watching!!

[@Xpp.]

Just remember kids - the starter motor is stronger than a piston stopper 🤜🤛

[@vabu94]

It turns into a piston hole punch when you crank it

[@signlsirchir2156]

@@vabu94 piston stopper don't know bout my forged pistons.

[@brandonb8543]

Challenge accepted sir

[@coffeeman885]

@@signlsirchir2156 I'm gonna guess that stationary small diameter steel is going to beat moving aluminum. Could be wrong though

[@rodpalmer4652]

@@brandonb8543 Please post corresponding video.

[@BuddyDarDarTV]

Yeah love these kind of vids, this and the wiring loom video are stupid helpful. And the most luxurious car ever has got to be an old caddy. :)

[@viktordaz-haagen7834]

Ah, Cadillac - the Rolls Royce of cars...

[@vn1500g3]

That's actually a pretty elegant way of finding TDC if you don't have a degree wheel. Outstanding! Keep up the good work guys!

[@Dennymolv]

Excellent series! I love when you do the how to's! Fuel system diagnostics/checks would be a great topic as well. Thanks again for all of the fantastic content!

[@802Garage]

It's a actually 1JZ-GTE and it's going in Moog's mum's Lexus? Only the best and most luxurious for mumsy!

[@AlexA-bx8jr]

It's not a GTE, the valve covers give it away. NA

[@802Garage]

@@AlexA-bx8jr Hmmm. I'm no JZ-Jeff expert. Not like they're hard to fix up and turbo!

[@justinsvidz]

7m's had sperate cam boxes. So it's definitely a JZ series. Probably a 1JZ, and knowing Al it's gonna be full of turbo goodness !!! Like you said probably for Moog's mum's car so she can race Marty's mum at the track.

[@FatAznAznWithCake]

It’s a 2jz-ge

[@802Garage]

They had already hinted in previous videos that a 1JZ would be a direct swap into Moog's mum's car, so that's my guess. Not sure why the 1J would swap more easily than the 2J, but that's what Yoda said in one MCM episode. I'm not a JZ expert so I'd have to do more research to 100% identify it, but it looks 1JZ to me.

[@JyveKilla]

A video on setting camshaft timings would be great. How to degree them to a certain spec and what effect that has on the performance.

[@mikaelgaiason688]

Most people wouldn't be able to follow along. I went to tech school, and even with somebody there actually showing you over half the guys struggled to get it. But it's essentially the same as this was. Take up the clearance with feelers. Find the center of dwell. Crack the cams loose and rotate the crank to the number you want.

[@bennyfactor]

I love these kind of diagnostic videos. Keep 'em up along with the projects!

[@ryanjohnson2575]

Simply down to earth no BS thanks for this al and woody a bunch.

[@Alex-Walker]

Although there's a million other videos of it on KZbin..... I'd like to see a Skid factory edition of compression testing an engine.

[@WelcomeToTheMadness]

In the land of SAE aka Chevy orange.

[@smolaf]

This Episode was fantastic! I would LOVE to see more stuff like this, Seeing stuff built is cool but being taught how to do something is more interesting to me, this was beautifully presented and explaind how and Why this was done. Good Work

[@ThePsychedelicode]

This and the wiring video are two of the most useful videos I've ever seen. Keep it up guys!

[@k5ren]

2:12 "That was a 3S-GTE actually." "Oh, that's right" " I think that's your favorite engine Al" "Yeah, I love vibrations!" Damn Al, don't beat around the bush Al, say what you really mean!!!

[@B2G4me]

I know What he means :D got One myself, they shake like bitches on idle :D

[@unicorn7337]

That comment actually stung me a little bit! The 3SGTE in my GT-Four ticks over like a kitten. Then you tickle the throttle and it can be heard/felt 3 houses down the road! 😂

[@jeremygyles3492]

Mines the same when it's running my wife can hear it coming a block away. Miss driving that car.

[@webweasel4401]

@@unicorn7337 Had mine imported 11 years ago, been dailying her ever since. 151k Miles and still pulling as strong as ever.

[@cabe_bedlam]

3? Are they a mile apart or is your engine broken?

[@jpkalishek4586]

He's putting it in a Trabant!

[@woopimagpie]

Someone's been watching Aging Wheels.....

[@zoidberg444]

Now i have to go and spew... Thanks mate.

[@jpkalishek4586]

@@woopimagpie I was confused, and then Aging showed up in my recommendations. Guess I got some watching to do. I said Trabby because I didn't want to spend the time looking up some of the really ugly Soviet cars that are not Fiat knock-offs, and figured an I6 powered cotton bodied wonder would be lux. lux, sorry, can't even type it (~_^)

[@jpkalishek4586]

@@woopimagpie Sorry, but that guy is clueless and annoying to watch. Poor Trabby

[@woopimagpie]

@@jpkalishek4586 Hey, I never said he was good. And in his defense, he openly states repeatedly that he doesn't know what he's doing and he's learning as he goes. He also reminds us in every video that his channel is for "entertainment, not education". He bruises his knuckles on an old Saab and a tiny electric thing, as well as the Trabant. I found him a bit amusing, a sort of cross between Hoovie (from Hoovies Garage) and Marty from MCM. Certainly not something you'd watch for technical know-how anyway. I just saw your Trabant comment and it made me think of him. Cheers.

[@mikecutsinger6218]

Very informative. Thanks guys. Keep up the good work. Love your show.

[@tdlaustralia7791]

Tips and tricks like this are great, you keep filming them and i will keep watching.

[@ShawnDickens]

I've done a 1000 LS motors with a dial gauge. Just go down from TDC both ways to the same reading like .005" and mark it like a piston stop. Can leave it in and not turn the motor over 350 degrees either risking catching a valve.

[@802Garage]

Makes sense. Same method he is showing here. He just meant you can't use the single reading to find true TDC.

[@spudsmckenzie4123]

Shawn Dickens Would that be more accurate too as surely a dial gauge is far more incremental than measuring the outer diameter of the pulley with a ruler?

[@802Garage]

@@spudsmckenzie4123 Theoretically it should be the same accuracy since you are still getting two outside measurements and still have to use the ruler technique. Like he said in the video, there is dwell where it is at the same height for a duration.

[@toranaandy2245]

Dial indicator is great when a head is off, little bit tricky to confirm TDC with a dial indicator on a LS while the heads are on.........

[@psk1w1]

If using a dial gauge, it would be more accurate to go to a higher figure. It is also more accurate if you can put a degree disc on the crank, note the 'touch point' angle , and then calculate TDC as the mid-point

[@jesusmata5056]

Moogs moms Lexus... for chopping Marty's moms Subaru

[@onhawaii]

I guess you are right...

[@dyllankobbe2645]

Awesome to see well made diy procedure by guys who know what they’re doing. Keep up the good work! More how to videos!

[@christopherharrington7337]

Love these tutorials. I’ve never been into an engine before, I just enjoy learning. Thank you.

[@JDM_DAISUKI]

Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh he's the ttttttuuuuuurrrrrbbbbbooooo yyyyyyyyyyyoooooodddddaaaaaa

[@credigy5889]

Totally sang this in moogs voice

[@JDM_DAISUKI]

@@credigy5889 YYUUUSSSSS

[@boingkster]

*fan blows beard and cape majestically*

[@fukofalready4224]

Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit !

[@mountainconstructions]

Was my first thought too

[@jacobmotum]

My first thought too, there was one for sale recently in QLD for under 10k and it’s now gone, that’s my bet.

[@keithmartell3971]

Defo, want lots more like this please... great tips to learn or refresh from. Thanks heaps

[@otakusnake1884]

I love this show one of the best out there and I look forward to the new episodes every week

[@MrButtonpresser]

I'll bet it involves a call to the wreckers, an empty lemon squash box and a day dirt bike riding...

[@Srchowdown]

Hopefully with no broken bones though.

[@Doogleraia]

Luxury... Lux... Lex... Lexury... LEXUS

[@3rdpartyU5er]

I believe its this if we are talking about Al.

[@mantravision69]

Yeah! I am hoping it's an original Soarer

[@Doogleraia]

Ant Banister That would be pretty sweet, they're really cool cars, much better looking than the second gen

[@DiscoFang]

Except Al would call a Lexus a Toyota. Coz it is.

[@Doogleraia]

Maybe he actually got hold of an old Century

[@desertfunoffroad882]

thanks for sharing your knowledge guys it's greatly appreciated

[@evilspoons]

Thanks for the useful info in these videos. I don't know if they do as well views-wise but I love seeing them.

[@FedericoLucchi]

I clicked the SECOND I got the notification, and the video already has 100 views.

[@tomahoks]

Federico Lucchi There's KZbin stats fo ya.

[@MikeIllusion92]

It’s going into a VN Calais!

[@markianmcnee]

Ohh, that is bulk 90s luxuriousness... But then it can't "Meng^3-Darren^2" in the Macca's carpark without its 3.8?

[@alanbutler2579]

Ooooh, too close for comfort.

[@DiscoFang]

VL I reckon.

[@Neishy4AGTE]

I miss my Calais, only car I’ve ever had where you can wind all the windows up well after you’ve taken the key out.

[@davidfraser6346]

Vn is so low rent, not rare enough

[@mickholgate3347]

one of your best vids yet guys, very good to know tricks like this!

[@67comet]

Nice how-to, thanks guys. I drive old stuff ('60's and '70's) so this is very helpful.

[@seanturner5838]

Turbo yoda when are you going to buy an au falcon mate it’s about time you do

[@DrJatzCrackers]

I understand they do incredible things...

[@sumatoborukiSaru]

Because AU's look like a plopped turd. 🙄 Good engines, but horrible styling & overstressed suspension.

[@WaxedMerkin]

The most luxurious car in the world

[@WaxedMerkin]

The most luxurious car in the world

[@stevev6002]

@@sumatoborukiSaru overstressed suspension? I thought it was similar to latest falcon....just curious, have a bf2. true re plopped turd!

[@timothyrinaldi6609]

It going in a 70s model Toyota Cressida luxury vehicle

[@bobbelcher7352]

If it's not for Moog's mum, my guess is a MS50 or MS55 Toyota Crown, based on some of hints in previous videos

[@burrowssj]

awesome video! KEep these type of videos coming! Thanks so much for the tip. I'm going to make one of these TDC spark plugs tools this weekend!

[@mikimanojlovic8982]

Love it, do more of these along with your regular build videos. Thanks guys :)

[@rooster8039]

It's a Rolls Royce Woody...That's rad...

[@Doogleraia]

7M-GZE Rolls Royce? Lol that sounds ..unsafe

[@LimitR]

My head immediately went to Rolls Royce.​ @@Doogleraia GZE? While a supercharger would be nice Toyota never did one to suit a motor that big. Turbo would be more likely (hence GTE)

[@Doogleraia]

Al says it's a GZE in the video

[@LimitR]

@@Doogleraia ah I must have missed it. Though they keep talking about both 7M and 1JZ. I don't think they care what motor it is.

[@Doogleraia]

The top is absolutely a 7M top, without the shadow of a doubt you can see it

[@icandoit20]

It's going into Moog's mom's Lexus.

[@michaellott918]

Great information guys, really appreciate you going into detail as to why things like this need be done

[@grantandre79]

Awesome tip, Al! Dividing between the marks on counter rotation is dead simple now that I can visualize it, wouldn’t have thought of it before this vid. Thx!

[@motorised1]

So is a full head of hair against this workshops rules.

[@asjmpickle]

safety first brah.

[@craigmandall9420]

It's too hot in Queensland to grow hair

[@Starcrunch72]

better for speed and helmet fitment

[@psk1w1]

@@craigmandall9420 Beards?

[@Neishy4AGTE]

Yeh I’ll second it way too hot for hair up this way, Townsville is fucked at the moment I’m melting.

[@ChristmasCrustacean1]

I wouldn't say no to an LTD

[@orangejuicepony6881]

Those were the days, 3 feet of leg room, digital dash and a V8 that drank more than I do on a saturday night.

[@oily101200]

I spent hours and hours with bits of welding wire and dial gauges trying to get tdc, if only I had thought about the problem a bit more and your video came out 5 years ago. Nice one, keep it going. Thanks

[@geluix69]

I love this kind of video, it's like I went to school today. AL is a wise mechanical encyclopedia.

[@etiennesc.x7]

How to find top dead centre: Get a rotary.

[@suneborgstergaard7331]

EtienneSC .x7 yeah, that’s trickier one to do

[@SmartAceHole82]

I can't get past the fact that they called Wankel engines 0% street cred

[@greghunter5940]

im pretty sure thats a 2jz ge not a 7m ge

[@obrienracing1]

how can you tell? i thought 7m valvecovers were totally different. atleast here in the usa they are. edit: they look pretty similar now that i looked again. why wouldnt he just use a 2jzge

[@jarredlevesque3659]

Great episode gents. It's great seeing these little techniques that a technician accumulates over a career. Cheers

[@leedubbayou2861]

Great show! I have built a few engines, and I love watching all the builds and details that are included! Having a long form build, where its discussed and shown in detail, is exactly the best way to do it, imo. Keep up the good work, and for the love of Kramer, send me a lemon squash or a plane ticket to visit and hang out for a day! Take care, and keep uploading the treasures

[@Dayno63]

Would love a skid factory tour! Of the actually factory, your guys toolbox set up etc. keep up the great work fellas! Love the show!

[@glenn9k]

Great video. Please do more stuff like this, explaining workshop techniques and/or tips&tricks.

[@newthoughts11]

Thanks so much for doing videos like this as well. I knew a little and this helped me understand the procedures better. Keep up the great content. I'm all the way in Kansas and need to get some Lemon Squash sent over from my Aussie friends.

[@bensbrickadventure8588]

I'm down for episodes like this. Good knowledge and Al is good at explaining. Always need more car knowledge

[@somanyteapots]

More please - great video. Also, best of luck with installing the 7M into that sweet luxurious Lincoln Continental Mk IV. Surely there is no more luxurious vehicle.

[@boothbytcd6011]

Learn something new everyday. Thanks guys!

[@maharajapapa8025]

AWESOME! 7MGE!!!! I have one in my shed in the que for rebuild. I'm looking forward to seeing what you fellas are going to do with it!

[@TheUkeloser]

I really enjoyed this video format a lot, and I'd love to see more like this. Please don't stop making the skid factory stuff though!

[@stephenmarton7631]

I would love to see more bonus episodes like this. Like you said Woody, Al's toolbox. This history of how you guys met and how you the mcm guys and other guys came to know each other. Keep being awesome 👌👍

[@MySuperhappyfuntime]

Good man woodie. Best tapping technique I've seen on KZbin so far. Why does nobody else break the chip enough?

[@craigsnowdon8322]

Yes would like more of those it was so informative and easy to understand keep it up please

[@bostedtap8399]

Old motorcycle trick, many engines, especially two strokes specify actual piston stroke before TDC, when plug port was inline with hire, you could use thread pitch to set, or use a plunger dial indicator. Wasn't aware it was needed on car engines though, like the two point/contra rotation method, very clever. Great video both.

[@neuro165]

Really good video. Keep em up Al and Woody

[@bazbarallon7935]

Good work! Keep these videos coming. Tips n tricks on engine building? How to know if you should re-use certain parts when rebuilding a donk like oil pumps or coils. How to lap valves? I watch nearly every video you make. Cheers

[@guitman100]

I was expecting you to mention for dialing in a cam using a timing wheel but I didn't think of a harmonic balancer crapping itself. Good to know. Keep up the good works fellas!

[@k5ren]

Very informative. This is a job I need to perform on my /6. Thanks for saving me a buck by showing me how to easily build one.

[@mikee9167]

This is a great topic and video. lots of shadetree mechanics learned something here I think, myself included. It took me a bit of pondering to realize how a piston stopper would help you locate the middle. I was in the middle of an A-ha moment when Al verbally put the pieces together. I've got a fluid filled solid crank pulley on mine so not an issue, but I can just imagine how many engines get beat up from wrong timing because of this!

[@retromakiha]

Great vid. Keep dropping knowledge on us!!!

[@quadmasta]

You just put it in the engine like this aaaaaaaand now we're going to have Woody show you how to make one of these. Smooth cover

[@redeyerob2176]

Love al playing with woodys curiosity on what the engines going into

[@mark1000fzr2]

That was an excellent nugget of information.thank you.

[@Grmreeper100]

Great Epesode. Made the lesson entertaining, Thanks for sharing the knowledge

[@ccrDan]

Very informative, love your videos guys just keep doing what you're doing 👊🏻

[@djwmunro]

Great vid. Thanks guys. More like this? Yes please!

[@lexgso5141]

Super stuff. Learned something new and more precise. More please

[@HarrodsGarage]

Great Info guys. Didn't know thats how you can find TDC. Thanks for being great Teachers

[@Fernandestres]

Make more of these! Very entertaining and much informative! WOW! Such goodness! :D :D

[@dubCanuck1]

Keep the cool tekkie vids coming! Loved the wiring one.

[@Anthony-ub1df]

that's awesome, thanks guys! my tuner will be happy he has one less thing to sort! keep the tips coming!

[@Ford679]

It's 8:30am here in the states 🤘 love you guys keep up the good work

[@mynameis63]

best show on the tube. Thanks mates.

[@bikingnutcase0]

Ooh, bonus episode! In answer to your question “do we want to see more episodes like this” I’d say yes please! I already have a home-made piston stop exactly like that, so the main subject of the video is nothing new to me, however it was interesting to see your perspective on it, and to see how the balancer had spun. Plus you guys are just really entertaining. All the “3rd gen small block” banter and whatnot amuses me no end!

[@armandoboensel593]

Awesome video guys, live the lesson!

[@Encom0]

Another gem, thanks guys.

[@markyboii]

Great episode, keep em coming!

[@Bassstringz]

Awesome video guys, very informmative!

[@Barrenchats]

Thanks this changes everything about valve lash adjustment on Sohc Subaru's

[@RichieWilliams]

Thank you so much for this Vid Turbo Yoda :) I've always used the screwdirver method but now will be making a piston stopper :) 10/10 Vid :)

[@martinbell3302]

Thanks, a more accurate method than I used to use, very instructive.

[@simonjones5825]

Loved this video on practical knowledge. In a similar vein, would love to see setting the cam timing up so it all matches. Like if you had to take the cams out to replace a head gasket or replaced the cam wheels or camshafts, how you'd put it all back together so it all lines up. Keep up the good work boys.

[@kevshek]

Very informative, needs more vids like this👍

[@Spoonifyable]

Great video! I'll be attempting some timing work soon and this will be helpful :)

[@manitoublack]

Straight forward and practical. Can also be down with a dial gauge (using the same technique,) but not everyone has dial gauge with a long extension. Would be great to see this extended into setting up cam timing on a twin cam engine.

[@RandBLSWorld]

Love these videos ! Keep them coming !