95 windstar tdc

Is there a easy way to get #1 cyl to tdc without a compression tester I see the timing numbers on the harmonic balancer, but don't know if I'm on the compression stroke or the exhaust stroke? I'm changing the timing cover gasket and I am worried about the camshaft position sensor going back in the same postion. thanks

:) Is there a easy way to get #1 cyl to tdc without a compression tester I see the timing numbers on the harmonic balancer, but don't know if I'm on the compression stroke or the exhaust stroke? I'm changing the timing cover gasket and I am worried about the camshaft position sensor going back in the same postion. thanksYes there is. Pull # 1 plug out , put a socket and ratchet on the damper bolt have someone turn the crankshaft clockwise while you hold your finger tightly over the spark plug hole . keep turning engine til you feel compressed air starting to push you finger away from the hole ,then look at the damper marks . Continue to turn crank till you see #1 cylinder timing mark lines up to TDC. Done!

hfield, how'd you come out with the timing issue? Any tips you'd care to share?
I'm putting mine back together now and I'm pretty sure this is going to be an issue.

Another way, while the cover is still removed, is to turn crankshaft to align the sprockets on the crankshaft and the camshaft (facing each other: crankshaft keyway up, camshaft keyway down) as shown in section 2A-11 of Haynes.
Then assemble everything without further rotation of crankshaft.