The JTIS and all other guidance I've found shows a triangle symbol in the flex plate to indicate TDC and where to install the crankshaft locking tool.

My 1999 XK8 does NOT have a triangle in the flexplate. I've looked and also had my wife watch while I slowly rotated the flexplate/converter and neither of us can find it. Any suggestions for Finding TDC other than a probe in the cylinder?

Thanks

 

First, the cams are not aligned to TDC.

Look at the cam flats, either/both side(s), turn the crank clockwise. When the flats are about as parallel as you can get them the flexplate hole should be within sight.

Holler back if that doesn't work.

. . . and welcome to the forum.

[edit]
I reread your post and think I heard that you got your wife to lay on the floor and look through the alignment hole while you turned the crank. That is never going to happen around here! Please post your training process.

 

Ok, that helped. Lined up the flats and found the hole shaped like the holding tool.

While looking for the triangle we also found an area on the flex plate where it looked like two or three of the trapezoidal slots were combined into one long slot. I didn't see any evidence of damage like missing dividers. Is this normal?

Thanks

 

Yes there is one LOOOONG slot.

Do not try to use the crank lock tool to hold the crank for damper removal/installation or you will have 2 long slots and the ECM will NOT BE HAPPY!!!!!!

bob gauff

 

No comment on the wife question?

Need help here!

 

No, he clearly said he had his wife lie down on the floor and neither one of them could find the hole. With or without the tool. Whether fingers or lube were involved is not completely clear. But, they *were* looking for the triangle as a landmark.

ps. the good Rev never has this problem

 

Ha, the car was on a lift, we were standing!

 

Now I am confused, any of this is required for a zip-tie method. I thought I had it down pretty good.

 

No