Setting timing with rusted harmonic balancer

[john.thompson068]

I have a perfectly fine engine but the harmonic balancer is so rusted the original timing marks cannot be seen on the balancer. I have been using what I believe is the correct mark which I drew over with a permanent marker, but now I am doubting that it is correct. The motor is exhibiting problems which may be caused by incorrect timing. I need to make sure I have an accurate way to set timing.

Can I buy the cheap little tool to find TDC, and then make a new mark on the balancer exactly in line with the hole in the timing tab if the mark I am using is off? Will this allow me to set the motor to zero degrees initial timing?

Then I can advance as necessary to fire up the motor and set to about 12* initial timing.

 

[Dan]

Timing

Use a vacuum Gage. Hook it up to where the vac advance hose is hooked. Advance timing until you get max vacuum and then back it off a bit. This will get you darn close to proper timing. Might have to play with it a little.

 

[5wndwcpe]

"Can I buy the cheap little tool to find TDC, and then make a new mark on the balancer exactly in line with the hole in the timing tab if the mark I am using is off? Will this allow me to set the motor to zero degrees initial timing ?"

Yes. In fact, that's a much better method than assuming the stock mark on the balancer is correct. The balancer is made of two pieces, seperated by a rubber ring. Over time, the rubber degrades and the outer ring can shift, rendering the timing mark incorrect.

 

[john.thompson068]

Use a vacuum Gage. Hook it up to where the vac advance hose is hooked. Advance timing until you get max vacuum and then back it off a bit. This will get you darn close to proper timing. Might have to play with it a little.

Wow I wish it could be that easy. I don't have the vacuum advance hose. Looks like I better make sure I am setting the timing correctly. So, when the #1 piston is at TDC, I should make the mark line up with the hole in the timing tab? Then set timing as normal? That's pretty easy too.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Must be on TDC firing (compression). Pull the distributor cap and turn the engine until the rotor points to #1 plug.

The zero mark is usually a deep square cut groove in the balancer so kind of hard to miss or get wiped out by rust.

 

[john.thompson068]

Must be on TDC firing (compression). Pull the distributor cap and turn the engine until the rotor points to #1 plug.

The zero mark is usually a deep square cut groove in the balancer so kind of hard to miss or get wiped out by rust.

Okay, I will be sure to look very carefully for that mark as I bump the motor over.

 

[green1]

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