Timing pointer for L98... gone!!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Timing pointer for L98... gone!!
Kind of a weird question but was wondering which bracket, cover or whatever, the little metal timing pointer is supposed to be connected to for a 1985 TPI L98 engine.
When looking past the alternator down to the harmonic balancer to perform a normal timing check, there is no timing pointer that I can see.
The story behind this ride is that a lady ran into a gaurd rail around Atlanta. It was in the body shop for 6-8 months and the very day she drove it home, it slung and rod and the man I bought this car from, purchased a brand new out-of-the-crate Vette short-block and had it installed but with all of the old peripherals on it.
The point to this tirade is, that since the peripherals were all put back on the engine, I'm guessing the timing bracket/pointer/thingy was broken off and now I don't have it to check my timing. I am wondering if I would have to remove a bracket or cover or whatever it's mounted to and spot weld another on or what.
I would also appreciate input on how the little pointer should be aligned, when it is put back in place.
With under 20K miles on the short-block, and as good a shape as this one's in, it's hard to believe that I was fortuante enough to pay under half of what it's worth to own it.
The Lord is truly good, isn't HE??
thanks for any input,
85_TPI
Byron, Ga.
When looking past the alternator down to the harmonic balancer to perform a normal timing check, there is no timing pointer that I can see.
The story behind this ride is that a lady ran into a gaurd rail around Atlanta. It was in the body shop for 6-8 months and the very day she drove it home, it slung and rod and the man I bought this car from, purchased a brand new out-of-the-crate Vette short-block and had it installed but with all of the old peripherals on it.
The point to this tirade is, that since the peripherals were all put back on the engine, I'm guessing the timing bracket/pointer/thingy was broken off and now I don't have it to check my timing. I am wondering if I would have to remove a bracket or cover or whatever it's mounted to and spot weld another on or what.
I would also appreciate input on how the little pointer should be aligned, when it is put back in place.
With under 20K miles on the short-block, and as good a shape as this one's in, it's hard to believe that I was fortuante enough to pay under half of what it's worth to own it.
The Lord is truly good, isn't HE??
thanks for any input,
85_TPI
Byron, Ga.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 645
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From: Oregon
Originally Posted by bogus
The pointer is part of the timing cover.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Sometimes they're just dirty. Here's mine on my 90 L98. Maybe ya just need to get in there with a toothbrush wet with degreaser and scrub it clean.
Here's a distant shot..
And a closer shot..
Hope this helps,
Dave
Here's a distant shot..
And a closer shot..
Hope this helps,
Dave
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 93
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Thanks, skateparkdave...
Just wanted everyone to know how amazed and pleased that I still am because of how Kewl 
this forum is!!
I haven't been using it too long, but don't know what I would do, if I didn't have this resource to help me find answers to my questions. I know the answers would come a lot slower, that's for sure.
I'd also like to pass along kudos to skateparkdave for actually providing the cool photos that removed all doubt about my initial question.
Thanks to all of you who have made this forum possible and to all the guys in the trenches, who: have the cars, do the work and are generous enough to the rest of us to make our lives with the Vette, a lot more enjoyable and painless.
You guys are great!!
Now does anyone have a timing cover they're willing to get rid of...
85_TPI
this forum is!!I haven't been using it too long, but don't know what I would do, if I didn't have this resource to help me find answers to my questions. I know the answers would come a lot slower, that's for sure.
I'd also like to pass along kudos to skateparkdave
for actually providing the cool photos that removed all doubt about my initial question.Thanks to all of you who have made this forum possible and to all the guys in the trenches, who: have the cars, do the work and are generous enough to the rest of us to make our lives with the Vette, a lot more enjoyable and painless.
You guys are great!!
Now does anyone have a timing cover they're willing to get rid of...
85_TPI
Last edited by 85_TPI; Jan 20, 2005 at 08:55 AM. Reason: Title adjustment
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I wouldn't replace the whole timing cover, just go to a speed shop and get a Mr. Gasket (or any brand) bolt on timing tab. These work just fine. If you notice, most of the chrome front covers come with a bolt on tab. They bolt to the second and third from the bottom timing cover bolts. You will not have to remove the balancer which is a BIG plus. Just my .02 but it's the way I would do it.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 93
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Originally Posted by Midnight 85
I wouldn't replace the whole timing cover, just go to a speed shop and get a Mr. Gasket (or any brand) bolt on timing tab. These work just fine. If you notice, most of the chrome front covers come with a bolt on tab. They bolt to the second and third from the bottom timing cover bolts. You will not have to remove the balancer which is a BIG plus. Just my .02 but it's the way I would do it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by 85_TPI
Just wanted everyone to know how amazed and pleased that I still am because of how Kewl this forum is!!
I haven't been using it too long, but don't know what I would do, if I didn't have this resource to help me find answers to my questions. I know the answers would come a lot slower, that's for sure.
I'd also like to pass along kudos to skateparkdave for actually providing the cool photos that removed all doubt about my initial question.
Thanks to all of you who have made this forum possible and to all the guys in the trenches, who: have the cars, do the work and are generous enough to the rest of us to make our lives with the Vette, a lot more enjoyable and painless.
You guys are great!!
Now does anyone have a timing cover they're willing to get rid of...
85_TPI
this forum is!!I haven't been using it too long, but don't know what I would do, if I didn't have this resource to help me find answers to my questions. I know the answers would come a lot slower, that's for sure.
I'd also like to pass along kudos to skateparkdave
for actually providing the cool photos that removed all doubt about my initial question.Thanks to all of you who have made this forum possible and to all the guys in the trenches, who: have the cars, do the work and are generous enough to the rest of us to make our lives with the Vette, a lot more enjoyable and painless.
You guys are great!!
Now does anyone have a timing cover they're willing to get rid of...
85_TPI
This forum is awesome.
Bunch of great people with great cars. Vette owners are in a class by themselves. I personally believe that the good Lord only blesses people of certain positive qualities with the means to obtain a Corvette. I'm sure like everthing, there are a few bad apples, but for the most part, especially here in the CF, these Vette owners are a great bunch of folks. I love this forum. 
