[TonyMadrid]

I don't know if this might help. I have a 1969 351W and the damper timing marks are on the wrong side. I found out that in 1969 the marks were on the driver's side because the water pump inlet was on the passenger side. I am using a later water pump that has the inlet on the driver's side and I should have also gotten the damper that has the marks on the passenger side.

I don't know if this may be the problem you're having, but it is just a thought.

Also, what I did to set up my timing was I used a tool I bought from Speedway motors. The tool threads into #1 plug hole and in the center of the tool there is a threaded shaft. The method I found to work most accurately is to bump crank the engine until you feel compression at #1. Then insert the tool and hand crank the engine until the top of #1 piston hits the threaded shaft. make a mark on the damper with a marker or a scribe. Then hand crank the engine in the opposite direction until it again stops (piston again hitting the threaded shaft). Make a second mark on the damper. Then measure the distance between the two marks you made divide it in two. This will be the center of the distance between the two marks and it will be the TRUE TDC of #1.

I then installed a timing mark degree tape onto the damper placing TDC at the previously determined mark. The degree tape is available from Summit and it provides bright yellow timing degree marks against a black background making it easy to view when timing the engine. You will have to know the diameter of your damper when you order the self-stick tape.

Just another tip; if your rocker covers are off you should watch the action of the rockers to assure what stroke of the cycle you're on.

Hope this is helpful.

Tony