Installing two cylinder heads and TDC
 

Im assembling my two cylinder heads on my 95 maxima DOHC. I have the Chilton manual and it says "Turn the crankshaft until the No. 1 piston is set 240 degrees before TDC on compression stroke". Does this mean I can first get piston No. 1 at TDC then turn the crankshaft:

360 + (360-240) = degrees ?
360 + (120) = degrees ?
480 degrees?

So get piston one at TDC then turn clockwise 480 degrees. Then continue installing everything else?

No, the manual says BEFORE top dead center. Your math is saying AFTER top dead center. So where you are saying 360 PLUS (360 - 120) you should be saying 360 MINUS. to correct your formulas :

360 - (360-240) = 120 degrees
360 - (120) = 240 degrees

You would need to turn the crankshaft backwards 1/3 turn or 120 degrees.

Thanks a million

Last question how do I know if when piston No. 1 is at the very top that I'm at the correct TDC at compression stroke?

If the cylinder heads are off the car, there is no compression stroke or exhaust stroke. When the piston comes up, align the mark on the crankshaft pulley with the pointer on the timing chain cover. If you have the heads on the engine with the cams and the timing chain on, then you have the 2 different strokes.

Yup just as I thought. Thanks for the info. W00t