timing marks on a late model 440

[Cornpatch MO]

My engine is a 1978 440. Down at the timing tab on the chain cover, there is a tube about 1" long. Looking thru that tube you can see the balancer.
How do I set the timing and what does that tube do? I searched and only found what the timing should be set at, but no info on how to use the marksand tube. Thanks for any input...........................MO

 

[krowbar]

I believe the tube is for a magnetic timing pick up? You should have a groove on the balancer for T.D.C. Does the timing tab have numbers on it?

 

[Cornpatch MO]

I believe the tube is for a magnetic timing pick up? You should have a groove on the balancer for T.D.C. Does the timing tab have numbers on it?

Yes, I have the TDC mark on the balancer, and degree marks on the tab, but no pointer to show what the timing is set at. The chain cover is the one I took off the engine..........................MO

 

[krowbar]

Were you able to hook up a timing light and see the TDC mark at idle?

 

[Cornpatch MO]

Were you able to hook up a timing light and see the TDC mark at idle?

I haven't hooked the timing light up yet. When I do, I will be able to see the timing Mark on the balancer, but what will it line up with to show 0 degree advance?

 

[69Bee]

If you clean the timing tab off, you will see 0 - 5 - 10. Line it up on the 0 if you have an adjustable timing light, or on 8-10 if you don't.

 

[67 coronet]

the tube is for the old tool that used to read the groove in the balancer.unless you replace it with another one(cover?)you will have to guess your timming by trying to center the mark through the tube.