Timing Problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 24
Likes: 12
From: Southlake, Texas
Timing Problem
I love everything about the 427 in my 69, except for one little problem. Space. It is so painful to do anything to that engine with such a cramped engine bay. I got my timing light out to set the timing and found that I cannot see the timing marks due to the pulleys in the way. What is the secret to being able to see the marks? This car does have AC and power steering.
Surely there is some secret pro tip hiding out there!
Thanks,
Rick
Surely there is some secret pro tip hiding out there!
Thanks,
Rick
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4,246
From: US-PNW
My '72 is a BB with PS and A/C... there is no secret that I know of. I lean way over the fender and look down from above. It's quite the exciting time with the A/C's tipped fan propeller-ing just a foot from my face!
Maybe rig up a camera or borescope to see the timing tab?
Maybe rig up a camera or borescope to see the timing tab?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 830
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I have a 68 and a 71 with BB's. Both have PS but neither have AC. All my timing marks are clearly marked with white paint which makes it easier for me to find the marks after finding the right angle to point the light.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,757
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
I have no problems seeing the timing marks on my 1968 C3 BB but then I have no AC either. I am using a serpentine belt conversion on the 427 and it leaves lots of room in the engine compartment. Having a marked balancer is great unless the balancer is made of a ferrous metal. I have a mark on the balancer where I previously had set the timing. Now the Holley Stealth Sniper controls the timing.
This is the first time I have ever heard of a 1968 or 69 C3 BB equipped C3's had a tight engine compartment. On my C3 I can get to all 8 spark plugs from above the engine in less than 20 minutes.
This is the first time I have ever heard of a 1968 or 69 C3 BB equipped C3's had a tight engine compartment. On my C3 I can get to all 8 spark plugs from above the engine in less than 20 minutes.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4,246
From: US-PNW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 768
From: Waterford WI
My 71 LS5 w/ac and ps is difficult to see the timing mark, so I empathize with you. Marking the balancer and the timing tab are good ideas, but not easy to do, either. Then you have to get just the proper angle to see it. Watch out for the fan blades! Good luck, and be careful.
