Timing marks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, Illinois
Timing marks
Hello, I have a 79 Vette. I rebuilt the engine with the help of my machine shop. It runs great, except when I went to time it. When using the timing gun, I can't even see the balancer mark. I turned the distributer both ways, no balancer mark. All I see is the timing plate on the timing cover. I think the balancer mark is pointing down to the floor? How can I correct this? Thanks, Al
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Hello, I have a 79 Vette. I rebuilt the engine with the help of my machine shop. It runs great, except when I went to time it. When using the timing gun, I can't even see the balancer mark. I turned the distributer both ways, no balancer mark. All I see is the timing plate on the timing cover. I think the balancer mark is pointing down to the floor? How can I correct this? Thanks, Al
Is the line white? Try filling the line in with a white paint pen or some White Out or something.
If the mark is still not visible, try going back to basics.
Remove the #1 plug, and bump the engine over to 0 on the mark when air forces out of the cylinder past your finger. That's TDC for sure. Then pull the distributor cap, and verify the rotor is pointing to the #1 plug wire.
If that checks out, the timing light may be bad.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Just like DurangoBoy said, but keep in mind that the hub and ring of the balancer may have slipped if it's the old one you are re-using. Also, if it's a dial back timing light make sure it's set to zero.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
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From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
FYI, this is why so many people install the distributor off 180 degrees - lining up the timing marks as the books all show puts the engine at TDC compression #6 - not #1
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
My thoughts exactly...and if the engine cannot run being 180 off then the engine can't be times from #6. I know it's the companion cylinder to #1 but no matter how the marks on the gears are lined up you always end up with TDC being on #1 when the rotor points to #1.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, Illinois
The engine starts right up, runs and drives great. It has to be that the balancer has slipped over time. I can get the timing close by driving it. I appreciate everyone's help. Al
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
