Hi Rick(having trouble submitting this)
just some engine theory here
-the firing order for 6 cyl inline engines is usually 153624
-the following cyl are paired
#1,#6
#2,#5
#3,#4
this means that #1 and #6 come up to TDC at the same time but they are on different strokes, hopefully #1 is on compression. #6 is on exhaust stroke, what determines that is
#1 both valves are closed, #6 the exhaust valve is open and starting to close while the intake valve is starting to open for the intake stroke, at this point it is called ‘valve rock’
-so you would watch #6 valves to see the opening and closing and this tells you that #1 is on the compression stroke. Now if you don’t have the rocker shaft installed you would install the #6 cyl push rods and observe their movements.
This has to be done for each cylinder for setting the valves, so for #6 you would watch #1 for valve rock and so on for each cylinder and its appropriate partner.
You could stick a screw driver down #1 spark plug hole but you want to be sure you are on the compression stroke of that cylinder, ‘valve rock’ is a more scientific approach.
I hope this doesn’t sound confusing but let me know how it goes.
My background is a licensed diesel mechanic and I know that this is the way its done to set valves and injectors depending on the manufacturer.
