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How do you time a 1969 RR?

mpro69rr

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I'm coming from a 1971 corvette and new to mopars. I have a 1969 RR and I can't see the harmonic balancer for the timing marks, how do you time a mopar if you can't see the timing marks? The water pump and powers steering are in the way, I looked on the other side and you still can't see anything. Am I missing something? Is there some magical way you time mopars LOL? Thanks!
 
I'm coming from a 1971 corvette and new to mopars. I have a 1969 RR and I can't see the harmonic balancer for the timing marks, how do you time a mopar if you can't see the timing marks? The water pump and powers steering are in the way, I looked on the other side and you still can't see anything. Am I missing something? Is there some magical way you time mopars LOL? Thanks!
I will usually highlight the timing mark on the balancer with a piece of white chaulk it just makes it easier to see.
 
Timing tab is on the alternator side.

OK, I think I found it, its a tab with a hole. Is that 0? The are no number on the harmonic balancer, how are you suppose to time it?
 
One belt in the way.....?? There's a single line on the balancer, scale is on the timing cover tab. Hole is Zero..


beerestoration2015-2016 2396.JPG
 
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One belt in the way.....?? There's a single line on the balancer, scale is on the timing cover tab. Hole is Zero..



I found it but there is no marks on the harmonic balancer?
 
Look at the picture I added... there is one cut line on the balancer.

One more question, I have a 383 what should my timing be at idle and 2000 RPM? I'm thinking 36 degrees at 2000 rpm? Mild cam nothing special.
 
All depends on the motor and fuel.. and how the distributor advance is adjusted. Auto or standard? FSM spec for standard is TDC idling with no vacuum. If you opened the video to youtube the comment would show I started out with "basic at 5* BTC for now, as TDC was a no, and looks like about 35* total with 15" of vacuum". I've tweeked it a bit since, in my usual fashion by turning for no knock or backfiring. Now that I've rebuilt my carb I should do it again, but she's running nice so can't be bothered at this time.
 
All depends on the motor and fuel.. and how the distributor advance is adjusted. Auto or standard? FSM spec for standard is TDC idling with no vacuum. If you opened the video to youtube the comment would show I started out with "basic at 5* BTC for now, as TDC was a no, and looks like about 35* total with 15" of vacuum". I've tweeked it a bit since, in my usual fashion by turning for no knock or backfiring. Now that I've rebuilt my carb I should do it again, but she's running nice so can't be bothered at this time.

Thanks Dadsbee, that helps a lot!
 
Dad indirectly brings up a great point by the way...
if these cars are new to you, it would be in your best interest to fetch a factory service manual
for the car. They're plentiful and available used or in reproduction and worth every penny.
 
I would work your way up to the 36 at full advance, with today’s gas that may be a bit much.

Suggest timing at around 34 full advance, and then see where that leaves you at idle. All with the vacuum advance plugged so as not to leak vacuum nor impact the distributor. Always lots of debate on the vacuum advance, I do use them and find that they help driveability at low throttle situations, but that seems to be personal preference and very much tied to what cam and carb combination.

You said full advance at 2000 rpm. That might be where your distributor finishes or it might not, you need to go higher and figure that out first. Might be more like 2200 or so.

I am assuming by your posts that you own or have access to a full advance timing light? One that you can see where it is when at full advance? If not, get one.
 
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A service manual would be an excellent purchase for you, however the recommended initial timing in the book probably wont be enough for todays fuel. No big deal though. As stated above set your total at 34 and then start messing with what your motor likes best at initial.
I have an extra copy of a 69 Dodge version if you would be interested? $25. plus shipping.

20190624_055544.jpg 20190624_055647.jpg
 
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I would work your way up to the 36 at full advance, with today’s gas that may be a bit much.

Suggest timing at around 34 full advance, and then see where that leaves you at idle. All with the vacuum advance plugged so as not to leak vacuum nor impact the distributor. Always lots of debate on the vacuum advance, I do use them and fine that they help driveability at low throttle situations, but that seems to be personal preference and very much tied to what cam and carb combination.

You said full advance at 2000 rpm. That might be where your distributor finishes or it might not, you need to go higher and figure that out first. Might be more like 2200 or so.

I am assuming by your posts that you own or have access to a full advance timing light? One that you can see where it is when at full advance? If not, get one.

Thanks, yes I have a full advance timing light, I will give it a shot! Thanks everyone for all this information!
 
A service manual would be an excellent purchase for you, however the recommended initial timing in the book probably wont be enough for todays fuel. No big deal though. As stated above set your total at 34 and then start messing with what your motor likes best at initial.
I have an extra copy of a 69 Dodge version if you would be interested? $25. plus shipping.

View attachment 788595 View attachment 788596

Thanks, but I have the service manual in PDF. I'm going to start at 34.
 
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