Impromptu timing mark for 360ci motor

[Mr. Belvedere II]

So i have a 360ci motor with a timing chain cover that has the timing marks embossed on the driver side of the casting. I have a cast iron water pump with the outlet side on the driver side as well, very conveniently covering up any view of my damper and timing marks. I honestly don't think my timing has ever been correct since the motor has been put together because of this very problem. I have therefore decided to tackle this issue myself and have fabricated a little metal marker for the opposite side of the pump where there is no obstruction to viewing. I mimicked a similar one I saw pics of online. Here is my solution. I drilled a little hole on the new timing marker where I will now mark TDC on the damper. Now I just need the piston stop to find true TDC and I'll be in business!
The bolt where the new marker is attached to was 3/8 wide and was located at the bottom left of the water pump, I just created a slot instead of a hole in the metal piece since I couldn't extract the bolt fully with out removing the pulley.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Nice! I had the same issue many years ago with a big block & could only time it by "ear"

 

[747mopar]

I like using timing tape, just a sticker you wrap around the balancer once you find TDC. Makes reading the marks very clear and easy to read.

 

[Mr. Belvedere II]

I like using timing tape, just a sticker you wrap around the balancer once you find TDC. Makes reading the marks very clear and easy to read.

Yeah that is next too actually just forgot to mention that. But yes the tape is imperative for timing my advance of course.

 

[khryslerkid]

If you can site the mark on the dampner, even using a mirror, and line it up TDC, then you wouldn't need a piston stop.

 

[Mr. Belvedere II]

If you can site the mark on the dampner, even using a mirror, and line it up TDC, then you wouldn't need a piston stop.

True! but I am not certain the balancer hasn't shifted at all so I am going for the fail safe method!

 

[Mr. Belvedere II]

Nice! I had the same issue many years ago with a big block & could only time it by "ear"

Yeah this has been vexing me for the longest time. I try tuning by ear but there are just so many variables in getting a good tune between fuel delivery, timing, and ignition, that I'm finally opting for solid facts in trying to tune problems out now before i totally destroy my motor that I just built

 

[khryslerkid]

True! but I am not certain the balancer hasn't shifted at all so I am going for the fail safe method!

Made my own piston stop. Post #7

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopa...ade-tools-lets-see-them.56433/#post-910446556

 

[Mr. Belvedere II]

Made my own piston stop. Post #7

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopa...ade-tools-lets-see-them.56433/#post-910446556

Very nice, I like it! I've seen that done other places on the webbernet as well. I would do my own but it would mean buying a plug to waste and a tap I don't have The tool is just around 7$. I'm still building my tool collection, I just haven't needed taps for anything yet, thank goodness!

 

[mopar 3 B]

You will always be building your tool collection it never stops.

 

[Mr. Belvedere II]

You will always be building your tool collection it never stops.

Lol I'm sure it doesn't! I cherish every single addition to my collection. I feel as though each one symbolizes newly acquired knowledge, and how to apply it to my situation. It really is funny to me sometimes when I realize that I never used to be a "car guy", but that I have become one over the past 12 years just because I love my car and am determined to keep it alive and make it run as best as it can...My name is Jared, and I'm a mechanaholic.....

 

[coloradodave]

You will always be building your tool collection it never stops.

As "they" say, you're always 1 tool away from a complete set...

 

[Mr. Belvedere II]

Ha yeah that is exactly what my wife said the other day! Lol but in a more accusatory fashion!

 

[Mr. Belvedere II]

Made my own piston stop. Post #7

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopa...ade-tools-lets-see-them.56433/#post-910446556

So I called about the piston stop and I wouldn't be able to get one until Saturday afternoon. Too late for me and it wasn't 7$, it was 21$! So I figured I would buy a little tap kit for 10$ and the spark plug. Altogether cheaper than the one for 21$, and I get a new tool! I'm using your post and pics to build my piston stop. Thanks!

 

[Mr. Belvedere II]

Made my own piston stop. Post #7

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopa...ade-tools-lets-see-them.56433/#post-910446556

Off to the races!... As soon as I get my timing right, anyway...

 

[mopar 3 B]

Now that it is together you may want to smooth over the sharp thread edges on the stop bolt.

 

[Mr. Belvedere II]

Now that it is together you may want to smooth over the sharp thread edges on the stop bolt.

Hm good idea... I have a dremel I can use. The grinder I used was at work