timing cover question

[ohmaback]

Ok, I have a 65 SWB w/ a 327(?), installed HEI dizzy, and am trying to time it, runs good by the ear but I would like to know where its at.T/C has no timing tab, mark on balancer is @ 12:00 at TDC on #1 cyl.read up on it says s/b able to look down from the gap between water pump and T/C, no gap and no tab. should I have a long w/p and a correct T/C?

[ray_mcavoy]

That 12 O'clock timing mark position was used mostly on later 70's & 80's engines that all had long water pumps. Sounds like you've got a harmonic balancer (but none of the other parts) off one of those engines. Or the outer ring of your harmonic balancer has slipped so the timing mark is no longer in the correct location.

Rather than mess around changing out the timing cover & water pump, I think you'd be better off swapping the harmonic balancer for one with the 2 O'clock timing location and adding a corresponding bolt-on timing tab.

[Captainfab]

I agree.

As an slight alternative. If you can get #1 piston at exactly TDC, you can cut a new groove in the balancer to line up with '0' on the bolt on timing tab that will be at about 2 O'clock. Then either highlight that mark, or fill the other mark so you don't get them confused.

[prostreetC-10]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I agree.

As an slight alternative. If you can get #1 piston at exactly TDC, you can cut a new groove in the balancer to line up with '0' on the bolt on timing tab that will be at about 2 O'clock. Then either highlight that mark, or fill the other mark so you don't get them confused.

Problem is that the only real accurate way of doing this is to pull the head and use a dial indicator. Course I guess you could use a piston stop but there is some calculations you need to and a degree wheel. For eveyday use and to get close, you could probably fudge a little by making 2 marks on the balancer for the forward and back stop, then split that in half. Should be within a degree or two accuracy. Close enough for what you are probably trying to do. Not sure if what I just typed makes any sense to you though.

[LONGHAIR]

A piston stop is perfectly fine for checking the accuracy of the timing marks.

[Captainfab]

I agree.

Just be sure to turn the engine over by hand and not with the starter

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

A piston stop is perfectly fine for checking the accuracy of the timing marks.

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Just be sure to turn the engine over by hand and not with the starter

Uh, yeah....what he said.

[68gmsee]

Also you can order an aftermarket timing tab indicator and rescribe the TDC mark on the h-balancer. Doesn't really matter where as long as the scribe mark lines up with the "0" at TDC. You could even put a timing tape on it.

[ohmaback]

man does time fly, thanks for all the replies. I drive a semi for a living,and have been gone for a while[under statement], so... I do think I will do the tab and scribe method for now, but I have acquired an early t/c that has 2 timing tabs oh it, looks to be factory, anyone seen this before? I will try to post a pick manana, if the turkey and fixins dont get me first, have a great thanksgiving.

[cableguy0]

Your cheapest and easiest way to fix your problem is to just swap the balancer to the proper one with the timing mark at the 2 oclock position and get a bolt on aftermarket timing tab. You will be able to do everything for under 50 bucks. You can get a brand new balancer from rockauto for 32 bucks. The timing tab in summit brand is 1.95 and will bolt down using the bolts in your stock timing cover. No need for any BS or gaskets. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...make/chevrolet