Is my timing off?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
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From: sw Ohio
Is my timing off?
I'm adjusting the valves and in doing so i'm rotating the engine. I found it odd that I never saw the timing mark on the damper when the rotor on the distributor lined up at TDC. When the timing mark is lined up, the rotor is facing the firewall. Is my timing off?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Did you have the distributer out?(Is this the reason for your question) Either way!
With both #1 cylinder valves at the closed position it(the rotor) should be facing the number 1 wire terminal on the cap and the timing mark lined up on the dampner. At this time your timing should be close enough to get her started and adjust all valves accordingly!
Thanks,Matt
With both #1 cylinder valves at the closed position it(the rotor) should be facing the number 1 wire terminal on the cap and the timing mark lined up on the dampner. At this time your timing should be close enough to get her started and adjust all valves accordingly!
Thanks,Matt
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
No I didnt take the distributor out, but I loosened the bolt in case it needed adjustment. But I think the engine has to be running in order to set the timing, because it says to move the distributor slightly to correct the timing. And if my timing was that off, it wouldnt run. Sorry guys i'm just really tired.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
No prob! Just take your time and if you run into any problems let us all know and we'll help out where we can!
Thanks,Matt
Thanks,Matt
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
As was said earlier, when the timing mark crosses the TDC pointer, you have #1 and #6 at TDC. However, one is in the firing position and the other is in the process of exhaust - intake. The easiest method to differentiate which cylinder is in the firing position is to watch the valves on both 1 and 6 cylinders as you slowly rotate the crank. When #1 is at TDC and in firing position, neither of the #1 valves will move as you slightly rotate the crank thru the TDC point (due to it being the firing position). However, the valves on #6 are in motion. One is closing and the other opening. The similiar words can be said when #6 in TDC and in the firing position. This is a method that I have used for years. Try it .....it works 
Last edited by Sam Lam; Aug 4, 2006 at 10:18 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by Sam Lam
As was said earlier, when the timing mark crosses the TDC pointer, you either have #1 or #6 at TDC. The easiest method to differentiate which is in the firing position is to watch the valves on both 1 and 6 cylinders as you slowly rotate the crank.
The harmonic balancers have been known to slip causing the timing marks to be way off.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 288
Likes: 11
From: South of Chicago Illinois
And finally if you are really unsure of which cylinder is at TDC you can pull the number 1 plug and rotate the engine with the ignition dissabled. Hold your finger over thr spark plug hole and once that cylinder comes up on its compression stroke it will "blow" your finger off the plug hole. Now you know without a doubt that you are at number one. You balancer will be at TDC. Then just have your rotor pointing at the number one plug wire and your close enough to start.
The valve method described above works fine too as long as the covers are off. Another thing to verify is that your plug wires are correct, its easy to get them on the wrong terminals (especially if you're tired or frustrated) and you'll fight that for a long time. Since you didn't pull the distributor I'd be surprised if your out of time. Good luck.
The valve method described above works fine too as long as the covers are off. Another thing to verify is that your plug wires are correct, its easy to get them on the wrong terminals (especially if you're tired or frustrated) and you'll fight that for a long time. Since you didn't pull the distributor I'd be surprised if your out of time. Good luck.