SA 200 timing

I have tried the suggested method of timing. A mark is on the flywheel. I put finger in no1 plug hole for the pressure to come up. I set the no 1 plug where the dist cap is pointing and the rest as firing order describes. If I keep turning engine until the mark comes up, the no 1 cylinder is on the down stroke. Is there another method of getting no 1 to tdc? The front pulley has a timing deg pointer mounted, but a mark is not on the pulley. Any more suggestions?

This is a welder, right? With a flat head 4 cylinder?

There are a couple of ways to get #1 at TDC.

Start with the finger over the plug hole, hand turning the engine until you feel pressure.

As the pressure begins to diminish, you know you are getting close.

Envision the design of the engine. You have 4 pistons, 1 and 4 moving together, and 2 and 3 moving together. When 1 and 4 are up, 2 and 3 are down.

Get a good grip on the front pulley and "feel" the drag of the pistons. As the crank crosses TDC for 1 and 4, it is also crossing BDC for 2 and 3. You will feel a noticeable difference in the effort to turn the crank as this happens. Rock it back and forth a few times, get the feel for it, then stop a few degrees before TDC #1. That will be close enough to static time it and get it started.

Another method is to look down in the #4 plug hole. If the tank is still on, you can use a mirror. Try to see the edge of the exhaust valve. Turn the engine CW until you see the #4 exhaust valve just close. When it is completely closed, you will be just past TDC. Back it up a few degrees, about 1/2" of pulley travel, that will be close enough.

Once you get it running, about all you can do is time it by ear. It's not that critical on a low compression, limited RPM engine. Turn it until it sounds good, doesn't try to kick back against the starter or clatter under load (too fast), or lack power, backfire out the carb, hesitate. (too slow)

There are other methods to get it exactly to TDC, but they involve removing the head, using a positive stop or dial indicator, gets quite involved. If you ever have the head off, would be a good opportunity to make a TDC mark for future reference.