[dizzy804]

Hello, hoping somebody can help me out to get the correct TDC for my 3.8l 2002 5 spd Mustang. Does anybody know the correct mark on the pulley, or if it is even used. Also if the mark on the pulley is used what is the correct mark for my car. And finally where exactly does the pulley mark need to be aligned to on the TDC mark on the timing cover.
Bottom Top Middle.

My piston is a TDC, but I am confused because my Service Manual has me align the TDC mark to the pulley mark which it does not really mention, but by looking at the picture on the service manual it seems like the 3rd mark on the pulley from the bottom up.

I have aligned the 3rd mark on the pully with the middle of the TDC mark and the car surges at low rpms. I failed to mention but all this is because I am trying to properly time the synchronizer. When I first got my car the synchronizer was so bad the car would stall at 2000 rpm, so the car has never ran right. Thought a simple tune up would do the trick but it has been more than just a tune up.

I have attached some pictures of the pulley, TDC mark and part of the Service manual instructions to see if somebody can tell me that setting the 3rd mark on the pulley with the middle of the TDC mark is correct.


Thanks in advance for any help

[dizzy804]

Me again ended up just getting the No 1 piston at TDC and setting the synchronizer with that. I did not mess with the marks, but did look to what the TDC mark on the pulley was aligned to and it was the 3rd mark on the pulley top down, but it aligned to the top of the TDC mark on the timing cover.

Car runs allot better now, still surges a little at low rpms but figure its due to my fuel presser being only 28 psi at idle. Revving the car only got it up to 35 psi.

specs show
Engine running fuel pressure 35-50 psi
(241-345 kPa)

Key on, engine off fuel pressure 25-40 psi
(172-275 kPa)