Harmonic Balancer

[NCali]

1987 2 wd 1/2 ton 305

whats up with  the balancers on these trucks?
I have got to meet calif smog so this tbi engine is supposed to be set at 0 degrees. with the est unplugged. I set it and it was so far advanced that the truck would not run. The timing mark has shifted on the balancer by close to 90 degrees.
  With the est connector hooked up , and I increase the rpm the mark moves/advances to close to the 0 degree mark

How often does this happen and any suggestions on a balancer that will not do this

[VileZambonie]

it is unlikely that it moved, rather you have the wrong year balancer. Although it will work fine, the timing mark is in the wrong position. Is your timing tab at the 12:00 position

[NCali]

Yes , the timing tab is in the 12:00 position, and this balancer has ben on the truck for at least 7 years. This was the first time I checked the timing and found it to be so far off. The first time I was told that a timing mark had moved I didnt believe it either but the smog shops will not accept anything other than stock marks so I cant even remark mine.

[NCali]

I just went to Napa auto parts and got another balancer and comparing both of them lining up the id and the key slot, the timing mark on the balancer is close to 2 inches
off

[VileZambonie]

Someone probably changed it in another lifetime. I would hate to have your emissions regs here.

[NCali]

California is doing all they can to eliminate 1980's vehicles. I believe you are allowed + or -  2 degrees on the timing

[VileZambonie]

I remember those days. I would literally pop my hood in their driveway, advance my timing and burnout leaving the lot. See you next year! lol