[ZetaTre]

The little wrench came on this weekend. I was hoping it would last a few more hundreds of mile...

I'm pulling together everything I need to do my first ever service on a Duc: new belts for sure and at a minimum checking valve clearance. I'm still debating on whether do the MBP retainers now or later, so I figure I'll let clearances dictate my choice.

That said I was wondering if you guys use a piston stop to accurately set the degree wheel to TDC. The spark plug hole is deep and narrow so it looks like the longer piston stop from Motion Pro is a good idea albeit is 40 bucks. What about just using a 10mm Allen bolt? Is the marking on the drive pulley & case not precise enough?

Thanks!

Sent from my Nexus One

 

[Austin748]

If you are going to check your cam timing, then a piston stop is very useful. And no, the marks on the case are not accurate enough.
I made my piston stop with a spark plug and a length of threaded rod. Tapped the spark plug body after knocking the innards out, ground one end of the threaded rod round and added a nut to lock it at a useful length. Used a threaded coupler as a handle. Might have run $4-5 bucks total from the hardware store.

 

[ZetaTre]

If you are going to check your cam timing, then a piston stop is very useful. And no, the marks on the case are not accurate enough.
I made my piston stop with a spark plug and a length of threaded rod. Tapped the spark plug body after knocking the innards out, ground one end of the threaded rod round and added a nut to lock it at a useful length. Used a threaded coupler as a handle. Might have run $4-5 bucks total from the hardware store.

Well, I've been looking around a bit and found that you can get a dial indicator for just as much, so I picked one up and call it a day.

I didn't have the intention of checking timing, but if I end up having to do the clearances than I might as well and at that point I would need the dial anyway...

Fun stuff ahead...

 

[desmo11]

Piston stop is best as it takes up rod bearing and any piston pin clearances. Dial indicator is lesser of the two methods in this regard.

You can make a piston stop out of whatever, just don't bugger up the piston with it (sharp edges, etc.).