Hi, in the process of getting my newly purchased 79 project back together. Bought it with a wiped cam and am in the process of doing the cam now. OK this is where I'm at, old cam is out , new cam is in, re-installed new timing chain, timing chain cover is on. All timing marks lined up. When I went to install the balancer I noticed that the timing mark is just about on the complete other side from where the timing indicator is. Since this is my first cam job I wasnt sure but I thought that since I was at tdc for #1 cyl then the timing mark on the balancer should at least be close to the indicator. It's not quite 180 deg off, maybe more like 130. If it was 180 I would have thought I put something on wrong. This relates to a problem when I first bought the car a few weeks ago. Before determining it was the cam I tried simple tune up measures, plugs, wires , dist cap etc as well as trying to time the car. When I hooked up my timing light, disconnected the vacuum advance, the timing mark was no where near the indicator. It was well marked with white chalk but was no wear in the 7 inches or so of the balancer that I could see. I figured the timing cant be off that bad and the car still starts and runs. I know the balancer is a 2 piece design with a rubber middle. Could the 2 parts have moved so far apart? I thought an inch or so would be possible but so far? Is it possible the balancer is from a different motor. I'm not sure if this is the original motor, how can I check?
I was told I can check tdc by rotating the crank with the #1 plug out and watching the valves and rocker arms and feeling the compression. I'll probably try this next but was also thinking about getting a new balancer from chevy. Any ideas would be appreciated,
Thx for the help, Confused in NY,
ESU

 

It sounds like the balancer has slipped, and if so, you will need a new one.

How did you line up the dots on the cam and crank gears. With both at 12 o'clock, or 12 & 6 o'clock? Both at 12 o'clock would be TDC on #1 cyl, and 12 & 6 o'clock would be TDC on #6 cyl.

 

I did cam mark at 6 o'clock and crank at 12. Ooooops?

 

I got a 79 back in January - tried timing it, but the harmonic balancer outter cover was slipping - really tough to time it when the mark you reference to keeps moving Happens a lot from oil and power steering fluid leaks.
Check your balancer, get a new one if needed (sounds like it). Your cam/chain/crank might be ok - easiest to get the marks aligned at 6-12 o'clock as you did it - # 6 should be firing and #1 still at tdc, but on exhaust stroke. If you put a new balancer on and mark is not there, just rotate crank 180 degrees and it ought to be lined up - and your distributor now set to fire #1.
Good luck with your 79 ...

 

Jegs sells a screw-in piston stop for just a few bucks that can verify the balancer in a snap. You can make one yourself but the cost of the tool is minimal. Screw it in, rotate the engine till it "stops" as the piston gets close to the stop, mark the balancer with a pencil, rotate in the opposite direction till the piston "stops" again and mark the balancer with the pencil again. The actual TDC will be exactly half way between the 2 pencil marks.

If your balancer groove is not in that location, it needs to come off for inspection. You may have slipped the outer ring, broken the key, or have a balancer/timing pointer for a different year engine.

-Mark.

 

I might just order a new balancer anyway just to be sure, whats another 30 bux or so if it makes a difference. My question is are all small block chevy balancers the same? How can I tell if I have the original engine? I dont want to order a balancer for a 79 and the eng is out of something different. ALso part of that rubber gasket in between the metal parts seems to be bulging a little. Since I'm not that far into re-assembling would it make sense to remove the timing cover and reset the marks to both at 12 o'clock instead of the 6 and 12 that I have now? This way #1 is where it's supposed to be. Thx AGain, ESU.

 

I'd like to post a photo of my vette but it says I'm not allowed to post attachments. Is there a waiting period for new members or something? Or is there somebody to email regarding this?
Thx, ESU.

 

First, you might want to check corvettefaq.com - they have a "jsut got my vette" section that has a great overview.- http://www.corvettefaq.com/gotvette.asp -

Check your engine block number - passenger side, front of engine-just in front of head - the last several digits should match the ending digits in your vin if original. If not, the number would allow you to research what it is. If it is a chevy small block 350 it is internally balanced. If so the standard balancer is about 6.75" diameter. I personally like to align with the cam gear at 6 oclock and crank at 12 oclock - easier to get them right on - plus my Haynes manual says to do it that way.

Can't help about including photos - hopefully someone will chime in and help you out there.

V/R Steve