ok i am looking at the spare crank i have and it has a slot for 2 keys and only one was there..

 

i found a key on ebay..i might try that if its gone..how can i tell if the head it on top..i have all the fluild out so i can not crank it like the compression test says to do

 

Alright...


TDC on the number one cylinder.

You have a Haynes or other similar manual right?
When you are rotating the engine, right after the intake valve closes, and the number 1 cylinder hits the top, you are at TDC compression stroke.
You can use a piece of wire and stick it in the spark plug hole to feel the top of the piston, or use your thumb over the same hole and feel the compression. I know that I can see the piston in my engine with a good flash light.

 

Oh... You should also be able to get a key for your crank at Checkers.
Woodruf or square stock.

Sorry for the double post. Just too freaking lazy tonight...

 

theres nothing special about the keys just get them matched at a NAPA or w/e also i take off the valve cover so i can see the cam lobes take out the #1 spark plug and have a buddy crank the motor with a wrench on the main bolt in the crank that the pulley is held on with, watch for the piston to come up and stop at the top and make sure both cam lobes on that number one cylinder are pointing up in the air like a V if you will thats how you know you are at TDC on the compression stroke

 

well i stuck a vacuum hose in the plug hole and turned it until it was at the top, everything came out ok. i think the crank might be bad. the hole where the key goes is elongated some and i do not think it will stay in with out some extra help. i guess i will not know for sure until i get a pulley and a key.