is there any way to be able to tell if the crank is tdc with out the plastic cover that has the timing marks on it. because it is getting old having to take it off and on

 

you can use the screw driver method.. pull the spark plug out of cylinder #1 and place a long screw driver in there and make sure you make contact with the piston.. crank the motor untill the screwdriver goes up. then eventually it will go back down once its at it peak in the up stroke lol it should be TDC. hope that helps

 

okay kool, which cylinder is #1 thow

 

The one on the passenger side of the motor. Screwdriver trick isnt very exact. there should be marks on the block and the crank sprocket that you can line up.