Distributor Install Question

[trudellt]

Went to install a new distributor and wanted to find out what my current setup was from a timing standpoint. I then noticed the following:

When rolling my engine over by hand until the rotor was directly on the #1 plug, the timing tab/pointer was pointing at 25 deg - WOW. My initial can't be that high. Could the harmonic balancer have "slipped"?

I'm hesitating on the new distributor until I can figure this out. The engine runs fine. I was expecting maybe 10 or 12 degrees, though.

-Tim

[Cobra20646]

Tim,

Only way to tell if the outer ring on the balancer has slipped it to set number one piston to TDC and compare the pointer to the zero mark.

Only way to tell if your 25 degree guess is correct is to put a timing light on the mark and read it.

Before you pull this one out, check both first!

[Rick Parker]

You may have the Distributor installed a tooth off. Line up the timing marks on the compression stroke (both valves closed) & reinstall the distributor pointing to the #1 plug tower after installation, then reset the timing on the engine.

Rick

[vettestr]

It is possible to have 25 degrees initial lead. It would be very easy to be off several degrees from what you think is TDC without using a piston stop, reverse rotation and split difference for true TDC.
As mentioned in earlier post I would check timing idicated with timing light, vac. disconnected at low RPM. Record any number you get and then turn engine by hand being careful not to exceed that mark. If you go past a few degrees you must back up 20 or more degrees and repeat in proper direction to allow for chain slack.
An adjustable advance feature on light is worth its weight for checking amount of vac advance, mechanical adv, total timing and at what RPM. You can do all this with masking tape if needed. send me a note if you want to know how to do that with masking tape.

[trudellt]

Thanks for all the help, guys. I'm sure I have enough info now to figure this out. Should be no problem now.

-Tim