A timing question...
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 78
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From: Austin TX
A timing question...
I am still having trouble getting my engine to start, and I think that the timing is off. I can find TDC for the # 1 piston, but I noticed that the timing mark on the balancer is way off where it should be. So when I try to align the timing mark on the harmonic balancer with the 8-degree mark on the timing chain cover, it is severely out of time. What do I need to do to re-mark it so it is where it belongs?
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Re: A timing question... (82Powerhouse)
Hmm to really RE-Mark the balancer you need to use a dial indicator to REALLY establish TDC on #1. Easier to buy another balancer! Yours has to have slipped for the marks to be off, or your dist is in wrong. There is a vary limited number of things that can cause this.
You can check timing chain slack if you want by watching the dist and turning the crank BACKwards. Is this a new motor? If not, this is an easy thing to check. If you go 5 - 10 or so (Pick a number you're comfy with) degrees backwards before the distributor moves, then you know the chain is too loose. :nonod:
You can check timing chain slack if you want by watching the dist and turning the crank BACKwards. Is this a new motor? If not, this is an easy thing to check. If you go 5 - 10 or so (Pick a number you're comfy with) degrees backwards before the distributor moves, then you know the chain is too loose. :nonod:
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
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From: Lake Norman NC
Re: A timing question... (82Powerhouse)
Just make sure that the number 1 plug wire is connected to the same plug end on the distributor cap, and that plug end must match where the rotor button is when your at TDC. as for your balancer not lining up...i don't know about that one...just do this, and it should fire up..then time it from there. :thumbs:
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Palm Springs, CA.
Re: A timing question... (REDSHARKONBOYDS)
Hi Carl,
I've dealt with this many times. First make sure you are on TDC #1 firing position and not exhaust stroke. This is easy if your valve covers are removed. Put your hand on both #1 rockers as you near the top of the stroke, if they are teetering you are on exhaust stroke. Put your hand on both #6 rockers as you near the top of the stroke,. If they are teetering you are on #1 TDC firing stroke. If you need to re-index your distributor at this point, do so. I will assume your firing order and diection is correct. If your timing mark is way off now, you have two choices, the rubber mounted outer ring of the harmonic balancer has slipped, this is more common than most realize. Or you have the incorrect timing cover for that balancer. This is also common at engine swap time. Some timing covers have the timing scale at approx. 2 o'clock and some have it at approx. 12 o'clock. So mixing them and/or the balancers could give very erroneuos timing readings.
Hope this helps. Spring's here so you'd better hurry! :cool:
Greg
I've dealt with this many times. First make sure you are on TDC #1 firing position and not exhaust stroke. This is easy if your valve covers are removed. Put your hand on both #1 rockers as you near the top of the stroke, if they are teetering you are on exhaust stroke. Put your hand on both #6 rockers as you near the top of the stroke,. If they are teetering you are on #1 TDC firing stroke. If you need to re-index your distributor at this point, do so. I will assume your firing order and diection is correct. If your timing mark is way off now, you have two choices, the rubber mounted outer ring of the harmonic balancer has slipped, this is more common than most realize. Or you have the incorrect timing cover for that balancer. This is also common at engine swap time. Some timing covers have the timing scale at approx. 2 o'clock and some have it at approx. 12 o'clock. So mixing them and/or the balancers could give very erroneuos timing readings.
Hope this helps. Spring's here so you'd better hurry! :cool:
Greg
