Settling on timing

[Turbo4whl]

Or due to age the outer portion of the balancer could have spun providing an incorrect reading.

Yes, I have seen this a few times. One outer ring so loose you would see the timing mark move into view then disappear, few seconds and there it is again. Shut off the engine, could spin the outer ring with one finger.

 

[projectmidnight74]

Not sure why nothing was attaching from my phone. I hope this helps. white mark is the original mark. I remarked it in black.

 

[Ricko1966]

Not sure why nothing was attaching from my phone. I hope this helps. white mark is the original mark. I remarked it in black.

Are the black and white mark in the original groove on the balancer? Or are they somewhere else?

 

[projectmidnight74]

Are the black and white mark in the original groove on the balancer? Or are they somewhere else?

yes the original mark was unmarked. I marked it in white. I couldnt see it with t he timing light so i remarked it in black after checking it again. But the mark i saw last night was i guess from the mechanic who did the engine work and its the only mark i can see with the timing light on last night.

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[projectmidnight74]

Now that I am seeing this on the pc, it looks like theres 3 marks. one to the left and one to the right of the one i made. hmm. evenly spaced what could that mean. Im no motor guru. im an electrial guy

 

[75gmck25]

If someone used a TDC tool in the past, the two extra marks make sense.

When using a TDC tool you turn the engine one way until it stoops, mark the balancer, and then turn it the opposite direction until it stops, and mark again. Halfway between the marks is TDC. https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/80524/10002/-1

Basic process for checking timing
- Disconnect and plug the vacuum advance hose running to the advance can.
- set the idle down low (600 rpm) and set base timing to about 8-12 degrees BTDC
- rev up the engine and verify that you get an additional 18-20 degrees from mechanical advance (about 30-32 degrees total).
Look for the rpm where the mechanical advance starts and how quick it goes up. Stock distributor might need as much as 3000 rpm to advance to 20 degrees, but a tweaked mechanical advance may start closer to 1500 rpm (which is good for performance).
- use a vacuum tester to pull vacuum on the advance can. You should get about 20 degrees additional timing. This is the feature that helps your highway gas mileage. It has no significant effect on performance.

 

[peats]

I would just move 2 or 3 degrees at a time and settle where the engine runs the best. If you can hear some pinging , retard. If it struggles to start it's probably too far advanced as well.

 

[edgephoto]

No offense intended but why would you spend money rebuilding an engine and not replace your balancer?

You can buy a timing light with an advance adjustment. If the knob is at 10 deg BTDC the timing mark will show up at zero with 10 deg BTDC. Much easier than trying to see the little numbers.

 

[projectmidnight74]

Gentlemen. We have time. Always Remember. Clamp the number 1 spark plug line, not the number 6. that will definitely give you a false reading. we are now 30 degrees total timing, and 12 initial timing. Thank you for your help.