Timing marks on Harmonic Balancer?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Timing marks on Harmonic Balancer?
I know I should not have to ask this question, but here goes anyways. Are the timing marks on all HBs the same relative to the keyway on the crank? I was looking at a friends car yesterday, initial start and run. The timing indicated on the ballancer at idle was about 45*. It should not have even started with that setting. So, I think the HB is marked wrong for that crank. All brand new parts so I know it didn't slip. We have to reset the dizzy to get it in the right spot, no problem there. Thought it was the cheapo harbor freight timing light so we got annother one from auto zone, same deal. The advance does work, but looks to only give about 10*, but thats another issue.
Any other reason for the indicated timing so far off?
Any other reason for the indicated timing so far off?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
I asked a similar question when I was installing my distributor. Many felt that it was prudent to get a piston stop and check for TDC, which I did. My new HB checked out to be pretty much spot on, but you never know how tight they are on the tolerances there.
Of course, I also tried to set the timing with the #1 and #3 plug wires swapped. Now that was hard.
Of course, I also tried to set the timing with the #1 and #3 plug wires swapped. Now that was hard.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
It's amazing how much aftermarket stuff can be off-
On my SBC, TDC on the crank was actually showing at 4 degrees advanced on the balancer. Comparing the OEM to the new balancer, sure enough... It's off.
Even my timing set was off- 4 degrees advanced/retarded was actually 7 degrees advanced/retarded. I would have been in a world of hurt if I didn't degree the cam first!
Bottom line, never assume ANYTHING is correct. Double check everything.
Elm
On my SBC, TDC on the crank was actually showing at 4 degrees advanced on the balancer. Comparing the OEM to the new balancer, sure enough... It's off.
Even my timing set was off- 4 degrees advanced/retarded was actually 7 degrees advanced/retarded. I would have been in a world of hurt if I didn't degree the cam first!
Bottom line, never assume ANYTHING is correct. Double check everything.
Elm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
45 degrees at idle is grossly advanced. Something's amiss with either your balancer markings or inside your distributor...even if you had one of the older balancers (I think they changed in '69) that are 10 degrees different from today's keyways, that's way too much initial advance. My mouse motor is right on the ragged edge at 30 degrees initial, and that is too much once the ambient temp tops 75 degrees.
Are you positively sure your timing light's controls are set correctly? Especially if it's one of those dial-back types.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Making sure the basics are right makes the whole process of tuning a bunch easier.
