Sbc timing mark way off. I hooked up the timing light and started checking the timing. Now use a large socket and hammer to pound the lower sprocket onto the snout of the crank until the sprocket is against the shoulder machined into the crank. Tap it for a 3/8 bolt. Rotate in oposite direction until piston comes up and touches the device, mark the damper. 7 degrees would be 55. 99 i made myself a TDC tool and found my timing was off by 2 Apr 16, 2020 · Our small-block Chevy firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2, so that’s the order in which we will install the plug wires. Is there a way I can find TDC of #1 without relying on the timing marks of the balancer & timing cover? This SBC has Vortec heads, I do have a dial indicator. I had a smaller cam with 120 seat and 300 open spring pressures when it was solid running through a msd 6al. Apr 13, 2009 · Re: Timing marks on a SBC There were definitely two (or more) versions of dampers with timing marks in either the 12 o'clock position or the 1-2 o'clock position. If this Mar 21, 2021 · Most replacement balancers are for a 350 sbc which has the "0 deg" mark in a different position on the timing cover compared to a 283/327. Timing light says spark is at 35 initial and 60 total off the crank. camshaft timing gear and loop the chain over the camshaft gear. This puts it about 35º off the vertical when #1 Aug 14, 2012 · That's one way to do it. it should now be pointing to number one. With rotor in position it is pointing at #4 rather than #1. We started with Number One and worked our way around the distributor cap clockwise using a set of Summit spark plug wires. Trick is, I have no idea how to read this timing pointer. Measure the distance between the two marks and divide by 2. Hagerty’s DIY series is your handy-dandy, ea Oct 14, 2008 · Balancer woes Chevy used 3 different timing pointer locations,pre '69 models TDC was 2 degrees to the left of the key centerline,'69 and later have the TDC mark 10 degrees to the left of the keyway centerline '84 and later is at 12 o'clock on the damper . 1984 -'95 engines, TDC is at 12 o'clock position on the damper. With an adjustable light set at 36 degrees, align the stock timing marks with fi0fl when the timing is fipegged out. Call 800. Apr 2, 2009 · Probably the most accurate way would be to figure distance to 40*--and then divide in half with dividers for 20, in half again for 10, etc, and once you have 10's marked, you can use dividers to make sure each segment is the same and accurate. rotate the engine over all the way to the right. Continue rotating until the timing mark is in the correct position. i put a timing light on it and the car was 4 degrees AFTER tdc TOTAL timing. With that in mind, here’s how to adjust for total advance timing on a SBC (small block) Chevy 350: Oct 9, 2016 · Drill out the hole to 3/8. Second is the 69- location. Feb 9, 2007 · The next thing to do is make a mark at 36° BTDC so you can accurately set your total timing. The earliest versions aligned the TDC mark with the woodruff key in the balancer hub. Feb 27, 2019 · A few tips on how to get your timing marks correct on a 350 chevy Nov 17, 2020 · This is called a degreed balancer where the timing advance is read off the balancer instead of the timing tab. I stuck one of my HEI's in it and set it where the mark flashes about 2/3 of the way between the left bank deck and vertical. #1 and find the compression stroke, also observing both valves closed. Use timing tape or what ever to mark the new marks. Pre '69 engines, TDC mark is 2° to the left of the keyway centre line; '69 and later, TDC mark is 10° to the left of the keyway centre line; and. Your existing timing mark should be comming up, but not past your timing tab. vice versa for the 2 o Sep 29, 2020 · As long as your total timing w/o adding in the vacuum advance is not over about 36 degrees (depends on your heads, etc. Rotate the dial until the timing marks appear to be stopped and lined up with the '0' mark. Align the timing marks by continuing to move the distributor and checking with your timing light. That 305 has a plastic timing cover, that iirc has some dot jibberish up at noonish that I totally ignore. Jan 28, 2013 · Hi all got a stock 66 nova just wanted to know how to check if the timing marks on my stock 283 2bbl are correct or if my balancer has slipped . It has a pretty thummpy cam in it. Nov 22, 2017 · Now as you turn the dial on the timing light to 8° the marks on the engine will show 0°. On a Chevy small block or big blockIF YOU DON’T HAVE A TIMING TAB:1. 7 degrees of distributor rotation which is turning half crankshaft rotation so doubling that 27. Nov 8, 2013 · I have early to mid 70s SBC 350 and I am trying to figure out which groove in the balancer is correct. thought it would have been obvious that i was using a timing light. Take #1 spark plug out, (cylinder closest Feb 20, 2011 · Once I line up the timig marks with cam gear mark at 6:00 and crank gear at 12:00 and torque the timing gear bolts, I'll place my finger over cyl. Jul 1, 2020 · Engine expert Jeff Smith helps a reader solve some nagging ignition timing issues, with a specific focus on the distributor. mark your balancer. Oct 29, 2016 · If you have the timing cover off, the easiest way to tell if you have it at TDC on #1 cylinder for the compression stroke is to align the timing marks on the timing chain gears. Distributor Wrench:https://www. 2. Shut it down. The 69-later timing marks are about 10-12deg on the advance side of the keyway. Jun 10, 2013 · You are incorrect sir. Therefore, if the timing is off, you’ll need to make the necessary timing adjustments to ensure smooth and reliable performance. Typically, a sbc base timing is around 12 degrees. Mar 20, 2017 · As you can see, for instance, if you put a 1986 timing cover on, behind 1969-1985 damper, your mark will be 20º off, and so on: Post a picture of what you have, as well as the code on the block pad, in front of the passenger-side head. Feb 24, 2014 · As the piston came to the top the call will go off. The sprocket will only go on part way because it is a press fit (pound fit?) on the crank. Apr 17, 2010 · Now bump the engine around with the starter with a finger in #1 untill you begin to feel compression. That leaves the cam pin at 3 o'oclock. the middle of the two marks is TDC. when I try to twist the distributor to get the mark closer to the timing tab, it will get about 1 inch away from the begining of the tab and the motor chokes down, wont run Apr 29, 2024 · Chevrolet used at least three different TDC marks on the harmonic balancer for the small block Chevy over the course of the engine’s long life span. The balancer has two groves, one than the other about two inches away from the first. Check your manual again for the proper timing mark positions and make sure that both the camshaft timing mark and crankshaft timing mark are correct. As for the advance kit, this would help you optimize the HEI for your particular combination. Is their someway of lining up the balancer keyway with position of timing mark? Or any other method apart from pulling No 1 sparkplug out. Jun 14, 2017 · Small Block Chevy 350 and TH350 transmission. 4. Jul 1, 2007 · Clarification Actually, I'm talking about the spark timing. Oct 14, 2021 · I've got a 47 chevy with a sbc 350 in it. Jan 12, 2009 · KEEP IN MIND that theres TWO totally different damper and timing tab locations that are correct on the SBC engines and you must use matched components for almost all years the ting tabs and dampers show TDC to be at about 2 o,clock, but theres a few applications that used a 12 o,clock timing tab and damper combo and you can,t mix&match the two types May 8, 2006 · when I try to time my chevy 350 the mark on the harmonic balancer is flashing about 2 inches before the timing tab. 4 degrees off at the damper‘s timing marks. Marked #1 on dizzy base. Things got complicated after 1968 when GM decided to move the timing tabs in 1969, but we were all able to deal with the 2 degree and 10 degree off the key-way timing until 1980 when the timing tags changed again to 30 degrees off the key-way. I know there are 2 different style harmonic balancers but when I verified when #1 is at TDC the timing mark is pointing at 0* on the timing mark. fl With the non-adjustable light, align your new 36-degree mark with fi0. cam gear mark down. put the timing mark on top dead center and see where the rotor points. thread the bolt into the plug and then thread the plug back into #1. Mar 31, 2016 · I have noticed my timing mark jumping around a few degrees when it used to be solid as a rock before I rebuilt the engine. Dec 4, 2011 · It don't matter what the chain is like, where the timing chain is, tooth off, stretched or on the floor, Tab indicates TDC and that's been verified by piston stop test. So here (finally) is the problem: 1. Right now, I'm having trouble with timing. This is how you can use timing marks for engine health assessment: Consistent Mark Alignment: Properly aligned timing marks indicate good synchronization between the crankshaft and camshaft. Sep 29, 2018 · Make sure the vacuum advance is disabled so you are actually measuring base timing before you check or try to set the timing. Mar 24, 2009 · 305 sbc. Think of them as guiding lights that help you navigate through the process. guess i should have been more specific. rotate all the way to the left. Is the timing wrong, the tab installed on the engine in the wrong place, or just what the heck is going on. Some are rough around the edges and downright skittish below 3,000 rpm. move the #1 wire to align with the rotor, rotate distributor if needed. I’ve seen engines run up to 16 degrees of vacuum advance at idle, which would put it way off the timing marks. To diagnose and fix timing-related issues, there are certain guidelines you can follow. . If you still have the old balancer, hold it against the new one [lining up the keyway] and see if there is a difference. put all wires in place and time. Once you’ve found your true TDC why not mark it with a Timing Tape? Apr 3, 2015 · now im going to repeat on my 400. Apr 29, 2010 · With the vacuum advance hose dis-connected and plugged, increase the engine RPM (using the throttle stop screw so that the RPM will be constant) to about 3000 and shine the timing light at the timing marks. With large initial timing, sometimes you can get dieseling at hot shut-down, and can cause hard starting and/or starter kick-back at start-up. (passenger side front cylinder) While it shouldnt be that big of a issue variances in components can throw the timing off crank key way could be a little off, The cam ground a little off, the gears a little off it can all add up. If not, adjust so it is. Nov 23, 2008 · When installing a new chain and gear in SBC 350 I have always put the marks lining up. i wanted to have the timing like 38 degrees BEFORE TDC total, but when i put the initial timing to 3 degrees, the vacuum advance canister is almost hitting the intake manifold, so i need more room and Sep 17, 2020 · You need to set the initial timing, so that the total timing is right. so for 2. This puts it about 45º off the vertical when #1 is on TDC. I took an old spark plug, removed the ceramic and electrode, drilled and tapped, and screwed in a bolt with the bolt head Nov 29, 2015 · yes you can move the wires over. May 18, 2014 · Had an ugly balancer, so I got a replacement and put it on before installing the new engine. 3. A lot of engine timing marks stop around 12°, not enough when your trying to read 36° or so of total Jul 25, 2012 · To top that off, working on the engine in a 4x4 is a real pain. you set the timing light advance dial to 32 degrees, then rev the engine (vac advance hose disconnected) to 3500 rpm and see if the timing light shows "TDC" on the timing marks on the engine. Most SBC's will run pretty well at 36°, so setting your 36° mark on the zero mark at 4000 rpm or so will get you in the ball park. when i was trying to describe my difficulties timing my engine, i was referring to what the line on my harmonic balacer said with the timing light. well this one did not go off but a tiny bit. 979. Lift the camshaft gear into place on the camshaft. Apr 10, 2017 · Learn how to properly align timing marks on a 350 Chevy harmonic balancer. I'm fairly certain that the large, wide V on the right hand side of the pointer is 0, but I'm not sure. The engine won't run unless the timing mark is about 2-3 inches counter Clockwise from the timing tab. That’s a lot more than most guys expect and probably beyond the timing marks if you are using a stock damper. Oct 25, 2009 · Perhaps what I'm seeing as 21 degrees of advance when the timing mark's align isn't nearly that high in reality, like the marks are off. disconnect the vaccum advance, rev the engine up, see if timing goes up to about 34 degrees and stays there when revved up. That means #1 is comming up on the compression stroke. Aligning the 2. May 20, 2007 · It is on my pink $249 98 roller vortec 305 anyhow, and all the other I don't know or care how many sbc's I've done. (Unless it is way, way off) If you go past , go around again and stop before you go past the tab. You can simply pull the vacuum line off and plug it. The engine builder set the timing gears off by one tooth. This is your TDC. it blinked on the numbers that i had mentioned. com/gp/product/B000N31ZJ Jul 29, 2017 · No can not adjust the HEI - It is just the stock GM unit that was used in a million Chevys' no way I think to change springs etc. Nov 29, 2010 · Timing is critical in best performance, total timing is all about WOT, idle timing is critical to keep the engine from building too much heat and for off idle response and vacuum advance is a bonus adjustable advance that is mainly for part throttle cruising but also can be used to help idle quality Jul 7, 2016 · Talk to the experts. fl Rev the engine a little to make sure the timing will not advance any further. Way off! Jan 10, 2003 · Mark the damper. Mark your balancer again. HEI distributor, timing is all in at 2500 rpm. As now your showing the amount of timing on the light instead of the engine. Oct 24, 2010 · There are 4 different balancer's for the SBC engine and each has the timing mark in a different location. TDC. That really woke up my old 400. At TDC on #1 cyl. Once I hit the 3000 RPM mark the motor pulled nicely. Install the camshaft bolt or bolts (finger tight for now). Nov 10, 2011 · We’ve all been there, struggling to find the correct timing marks on our SBC engines. He had his timing chain marks way way offLike 6 teeth out of wack I have no idea where his head was when he stuck that cam and chain in there. I don't have a cam card, so I was asking about setting up the initial spark timing primarily (before starting the engine for the first time): when I should set the distributor in aimed at #1, relative to the line on the balancer / timing marks. This operates the same way as the hash marks on the timing tab but requires the pointer (which is often adjustable) to be positioned accurately, especially with performance engines where ignition timing is extremely critical. compression stroke, cam gear mark and crank gear mark will both be at 12:00. 7L engine. This requires a "dial type" timing light, or a timing tape on the damper, or something. I did it this way last night - blocked the vac port on carb, Set initial timing at 14 degs, throttled car to 3 grand and I had 24 degrees total. 0122, 7am-10pm CST, everyday. If you point your timing light straight down behind the water pump and see the timing mark there with the strobe on, you've got a 12 o'clock damper and need the timing cover with that corresponding timing tab. May 7, 2024 · Grab the distributor firmly and rotate it slowly to one side or the other. Jun 6, 2022 · Thirteen teeth is 27. With the intake off and the first grove lined up with the 0 deg in the timing tab, both lifters are all the way down in the block on #1 cylinder. And not at the point in rotation when it shouldand it went off in the ex stroke mode also. Pulled dizzy cap - rotor attaching screws are missing. Somehow, while cleaning up the garage throughout the winter, I threw that damn plastic bag in the garbage on accident; but thinking of it now, I bet the correct tab was in that da the advance without the springs installed. Apr 29, 2007 · If so, check when your timing comes all the way in. Sep 25, 2017 · To find out what your mechanical advance is, remove the vacuum line from the distributor, plug it, rev the engine, and get a reading off the timing marks on the harmonic damper with the timing light. Jun 20, 2000 · The 68-older timing mark on the balancer is essentially in line with the keyway inside the hub. The reason for these lights is for checking total timing at higher rpm`s. thanks in advance Nov 29, 2014 · Finding Top Dead Center and Setting up Timing Curves All engines have personalities – some are aggressive, some are demure. Oct 24, 2017 · In this Hagerty DIY, Kyle Smith walks you through the process of adjusting timing on a Chevy small-block engine. found them in dizzy base. In 1969, Chevy moved the location roughly retarded 12 degrees. It is impossible. The mark is approximately 10º CCW from the keyway. ) Jul 1, 2013 · I am trying to check and reset the timing on my 1991 Suburban with the 5. and i Assessing Chevy 350 Timing Marks for Engine Health. There are also 4 different locations for the timing tab so that gives a possibility of 8 different combos. The best way to do this so you don’t get confused is to just follow the firing order installing each May 31, 2023 · However, if the timing marks on your chevy 350 harmonic balancer are off, you might start experiencing various issues like engine misfire, power loss, and other performance-related problems. Sometime in the late 70s the timing mark is about straight up with the keyway pointing at about the 2 o'clock position. Measure half way between marks and tha should be zero degrees. I was reading through a haynes manual that says to put the mark on the cam gear at the top 12 o'clock which puts the pin at 9 o'clock. When you've got it set where you want it, lock it back down by tightening the distributor bolts. as to what the total timing "should" be), you'll be OK. May 25, 2019 · You know, when the long block came in the crate, it came with a sealed bag that had two timing tags and the tiny plug to block off either left or right dipstick hole. Aug 12, 2024 · A timing mark gauge (optional) A timing chain or belt tension gauge; A socket or wrench set; Next, locate the timing marks on your engine. I had to disassemble the front of the engine to get to the gears to reset them. crank gear up. Sep 13, 2023 · Slip the lower timing sprocket onto the snout of the crank so the desired timing mark is pointing up. They may have had the timing a few teeth off and the orientation of the cap was a certain way but there’s no way an engine can run 180° out unless they rotated the wires to start on which ever post the rotor pointed at when #1 cylinder was TDC on the compression stroke. amazon. Aug 22, 2022 · Explaining and demonstrating the process of adjusting the timing on a Chevy small-block engine. I know that SBC's "like" about 12 degrees BTDC initial timing and you should end up with a total timing of about 35 degrees BTDC, without the vacuum advance hooked up. the car starts fine but as you can imagine it is VERY slow. Set TDC on compression stroke. if it was running, and is pointing to #6 rotate it around 180 degrees. Timing the arrival of the spark at different engine … "There are 3 timing mark locations on small block balancers that I've seen. Worked for me I could clearly tell the difference. Everything looked perfect, so I reinstalled the balancer and put a stick on timing tape on the balancer at corrected TDC. Checked timing mark on damper. You really should use a piston stop and find where your actual TDC is in relation to the TDC mark and the timing tab mark. After reading this forum for days, I've learned a TON from all of you. My '80 HEI came all-in at 4600 RPM's :drunk: I bought a timing curve kit (about $10) and put one light and one medium spring on the mechanical advance. Another way is with a fancy timing light that has a dial or advance display on it, they're pretty common. Did a TDC check, and the mark was way off! Not knowing what was wrong, I pulled it back off and double checked everything. The timing marks are located on the crankshaft and camshaft and are used to set the proper timing. Jan 12, 2024 · As we’ve explained thus far, distributor timing is essential on a Chevy 350 (and any other engine, really). Inconsistent or off-mark alignment suggests timing issues, potentially due to a worn timing chain or gear. The aftermarket chrome bolt on pointers are for pre '69 only, nobody seems to make a bolt on pointer for '69 and later there are several May 27, 2021 · The easiest way to find top dead centre. Aug 25, 2010 · Also double check that you are checking everything off the #1 cylinder ie TDC and timing. Jul 18, 2017 · As alluded to above, SBC engines have three (3) different timing pointer locations:-. The mark is approximately lined up with the keyway. All respond to ignition timing a little bit differently. Jul 7, 2016 · Mark your balancer with a marker, and then slowly rotate the crankshaft by hand in the opposite direction until you come up against the stop again. (At least that's the way you'd do it for a SBC/BBC. First is the 55-68 location. The engine will not run 180°out. kos mfcvhk zfstkij eejaz vgs vwysznq gmpat jjfm vnwmz wno