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How to align crankshaft when replacing heads

21K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  Phil G.  
#1 ·
I am doing headgaskets today and the service manual states this.

NOTICE: Rotate the crankshaft until the damper locating dowel notch is in the 6 o'clock position or engine damage can occur.

There is no diagram of this notch. Can anyone help explain what I am looking for? I see something that looks like a notch cut out on the inside of the pulley about the width of my finger, is this it?

Thank you,
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
I wouldn't worry about it. I've never done that and never have had a problem. I would recommend that you spin the crankshaft over by hand with the heads and rocker arms on, with the glow plugs or injectors out (to make it easier to spin). Spin the motor over a few times to make sure the push rods are seated in the lifters and there is no binding.
Thank you, will do!