timing without a timing light*

[txchainsawgogi]

So the autozone by my house carries "spectre" brand universal timing marker tabs that appear to bolt on. Would these work for a chevy 350? I haven't been able to set the timing yet since I'm missing the tab!


12/7/10 EDIT* due to my engine setup I can't possibly bolt on a new marker, there just isn't enough room. Are there any suggestions for atleast sorta setting my timing for good gas mileage. Right now my exhaust pipe is sooty and I can tell its obviously burning through a lot of fuel.

Currently I have my vaccuum advance blocked off, because if I attach it...the engine stumbles and shakes.

[slammed79]

Yessur. They'll work fine

[Psycho71]

Only problem I found with mine is it covers up the width of the balancer, making it difficult to impossible to see the mark on the balancer if it's anywhere within the the scale on the pointer. I'm gonna mod mine a bit to make it easier to read.

[txchainsawgogi]

Hmm, I hope it works! If I'm not using the original tab, can I ever set it back to factory specs? Seems like if its not in the exact same spot(with the exact markings) as the GM one, it'll always be slightly off.

[txchainsawgogi]

Is there anything I can do to find tdc other than use a piston stop? I'm SUPER broke thanks to xmas(gotta buy the gf stuff instead of my project this month, terrible huh?) and can't go out and buy one.

[Layne]

Jam Insert a screwdiver in the spark plug hole and turn it over till you feel it hit. Put rubber over the screwdriver, too. This really isn't the smartest way, so disregard if someone has a better plan

[txchainsawgogi]

How do I turn it over? Use the starter or...?

[jaredts]

You can stick your thumb over the spark plug hole while someone "taps" the starter.  When it blows your thumb away from the hole its near tdc on the compression stroke.  You can use a straw or something plastic instead of a screwdriver as well.  Once its close with the starter you can use a breaker bar on the dampener to fine tune it to tdc.

[txchainsawgogi]

Define "Taps" haha. I've never done this on a car before.

[VileZambonie]

Bump the key slightly with the coil unplugged to get the engine to turn. You don't need to find TDCC just TDC so just turn the engine over by hand with the #1 spark plug removed. If you have an assistant get a flashlight and look in the hole until you see the piston go all the way to the top. Once it's up you're at TDC.

When I build an engine I always verify my marks before the heads go on.

[txchainsawgogi]

I don't even understand how to get the timing marker on there...it seems too cramped.

[Psycho71]

With all the accessories mounted it will be very cramped trying to get the marker tab mounted. But it mounts using two of the bolts on the timing cover. The one I use mounts at about the 2 O'clock position, right under the water pump. The power steering pump, if you have one in place, could be a real pain to work around while trying to get that thing mounted.

[txchainsawgogi]

Yeah there's no way someone with normal sized hands can fit a new timing marker in there. Are there any suggestions for atleast sorta setting my timing for good gas mileage? Right now my exhaust pipe is sooty and I can tell its obviously burning through a lot of fuel. Currently I have my vaccuum advance blocked off, because if I attach it...the engine stumbles and shakes.

[Grim 82]

You may have to remove belt driven accessories to reach it. It can be done.

Is your vacuum advance hooked to ported or full manifold vacuum?

Turn the distributor CCW until it pings and then back it off til it doesn't. That will get you pretty close.

[txchainsawgogi]

I know it can be done, but I work all the time during the holidays... so any tear downs are gonna have to wait atleast a month.

How do I figure out if its ported or manifold? I don't know what that means!