[GMWNashville]

After running into an issue with a customers N54 which has an aftermarket smfw which we didn't install I figured I would bring up the discussion as to why the people who make them leave you with literally no way to accurately set/check the timing without removal of their flywheel and install of an oem flywheel. So..be aware of that!

I've attached a picture of the oem flywheel with arrow to the timing hole as well as the back of a spec flywheel..I don't have a picture handy of the mfactory one but it doesn't have anything either...

[///Mposter]

I thought that was because the OEM was balanced with the crank. The new one is not so it doesn't matter. I don't think it has to do with timing but instead balancing.
Anyone else opinion/agree?

[GMWNashville]

If the oem were balanced with the crank it would be impossible to replace the flywheel as no crank is identical. That hole I am pointing to is 100% the timing hole on the OEM flywheel-the piece 180 from that hole is there to balance the timing part being there.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Probably a question for the manufactures, not us. I'd imagine it's just less work for them to not do it and not many really use that feature of it.

[///Mposter]

I thought it was an 8-bolt issue from your picture, but comparing it to a 6 bolt, it looks as if they both have a way to ensure it goes in correctly.

I attached your image vs another persons showing the "locking key" and then the 6 bolt version that has a way to tell .

[TEC]

Originally Posted by GMWNashville

After running into an issue with a customers N54 which has an aftermarket smfw which we didn't install I figured I would bring up the discussion as to why the people who make them leave you with literally no way to accurately set/check the timing without removal of their flywheel and install of an oem flywheel. So..be aware of that!

I've attached a picture of the oem flywheel with arrow to the timing hole as well as the back of a spec flywheel..I don't have a picture handy of the mfactory one but it doesn't have anything either...

I'm sorry if I am slow on the uptake here but why would you set or check the timing based on the flywheel?

[homemade_f81]

Originally Posted by TEC

I'm sorry if I am slow on the uptake here but why would you set or check the timing based on the flywheel?

That's per the factory instructions - that is the only way to ensure that the piston in cylinder number 1 is at TDC. There are no other marks anywhere to align the crank. You could use the old-school method of something thin and long through the spark plug hole and mark it at the highest point but it's far less precise.

[TEC]

Originally Posted by swedishpowah

That's per the factory instructions - that is the only way to ensure that the piston in cylinder number 1 is at TDC. There are no other marks anywhere to align the crank. You could use the old-school method of something thin and long through the spark plug hole and mark it at the highest point but it's far less precise.

Yeah, that's exactly what I was going to say. I would never trust anything other than confirmation at the spark plug hole that the piston is at TDC. Its old school but its nuts on accurate if you do it the right way.

[GMWNashville]

While the piston is at tdc there are several degrees of crank rotation before it equates to piston movement up or down thus making it less accurate than a pin in a hole which doesn't move. The only proper way to time this engine or any n52/54/55 is to pin the crank using the flywheel hole.

[TEC]

Originally Posted by GMWNashville

While the piston is at tdc there are several degrees of crank rotation before it equates to piston movement up or down thus making it less accurate than a pin in a hole which doesn't move. The only proper way to time this engine or any n52/54/55 is to pin the crank using the flywheel hole.

If you have ever degreed a set of cams you would know that there is a minimum of three measurements that need to be taken to find true TDC. Turning the crank until the piston hits your piston stop isn't the way to find TDC.

[GMWNashville]

Yep..done it many times. Not really easily performed with a head installed nor able to be truly locked into position in order to torque anything. I'm not a YouTube mechanic...this is merely an informative post to educate people who may already own a smfw or who are looking into it that this could become an issue in the future and to plan accordingly.