Trouble setting the timing
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville FL
Trouble setting the timing
I want to check/set the timing on my '79 but the harmonic balancer does not have any marks on it (completely worn off over the years). I cannot even find a grove cut into it for the mark. The timing tab is attached to the block, so that is ok.
So I have to find tdc to set the mark. I bought a tdc indicator, but I am not able to rotate the engine by hand to use it. I do have an 18" breaker bar and the right hex head socket, but with all the belts, hoses, and the fan, I cannot get a good hold to rotate the engine.
I read that a tdc whistle will work and you can use the starter to bump the engine over to use it. Anyone used one of these? After you hear the whistle, do you set the mark under the 0 degree of the timing tab?
So I have to find tdc to set the mark. I bought a tdc indicator, but I am not able to rotate the engine by hand to use it. I do have an 18" breaker bar and the right hex head socket, but with all the belts, hoses, and the fan, I cannot get a good hold to rotate the engine.
I read that a tdc whistle will work and you can use the starter to bump the engine over to use it. Anyone used one of these? After you hear the whistle, do you set the mark under the 0 degree of the timing tab?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,736
Likes: 2,582
I know it's more work but if you remove all the spark plugs you should be able to turn it. Amazed that you cannt see the groove in the balancer. Have you tried removing the distributor cap and bumping the engine over till the rotor is pointing to either the number 1 or number 6 cylinder wire location. At that point the groove should be near the tab.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
I want to check/set the timing on my '79 but the harmonic balancer does not have any marks on it (completely worn off over the years). I cannot even find a grove cut into it for the mark. The timing tab is attached to the block, so that is ok.
So I have to find tdc to set the mark. I bought a tdc indicator, but I am not able to rotate the engine by hand to use it. I do have an 18" breaker bar and the right hex head socket, but with all the belts, hoses, and the fan, I cannot get a good hold to rotate the engine.
I read that a tdc whistle will work and you can use the starter to bump the engine over to use it. Anyone used one of these? After you hear the whistle, do you set the mark under the 0 degree of the timing tab?
So I have to find tdc to set the mark. I bought a tdc indicator, but I am not able to rotate the engine by hand to use it. I do have an 18" breaker bar and the right hex head socket, but with all the belts, hoses, and the fan, I cannot get a good hold to rotate the engine.
I read that a tdc whistle will work and you can use the starter to bump the engine over to use it. Anyone used one of these? After you hear the whistle, do you set the mark under the 0 degree of the timing tab?
The mark is there, probably full of crud. Find it, and clean the crud out.
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville FL
You guys were right. I had to bump the starter several times, degreasing each time. I finally found the groove.
It is now painted white and shows up nicely with the timing light.
Thanks for the help.
It is now painted white and shows up nicely with the timing light.
Thanks for the help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Try something like this for turning the engine over.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WMR-W80510/?rtype=10
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WMR-W80510/?rtype=10
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!