Stupid Question ???

[CJ428CJ]

I think there are different timing pointers depending on whether or not the engine was originally equiped with AC and I seem to recall having seen photos with the pointers mounted both ways. To make matters even more complex, there are two different vibration damper diameters. If you switch from one to the other (early small diameter to later larger diameter) you'll have to or someone else may have already relocated the pointer. The only way to be absolutely certain is to bring the piston to TDC using a piston stop (if you've already installed the heads you can get a spark plug hole type through summit) and then mount the pointer whichever way sets the pointer to zero. If you don't do it now, you'll always question whether or not the timing is "right." Trust me. I speak from experience and ended up doing the spark plug thing a week after I got the car running.

Chris

[cobra427mnsi]

CJ428CJ

Great set of pics. That would clear up the question. Seems to be installed the way most described it. Thanks

Paul

[Eljaro]

I went to see how my marker is fixed to the cam chain cover. The flat edge up, the one with the angle to form a pointer down.
But after finding the true TDC with the degree wheel, I saw that the TDC mark on the damper is 8º after TDC. There is a distinctive mark on the pulley and the damper. How can it be that the mark is off ? Has anyone experienced a similar case ?

[Traveller]

Pat Ganhal's book is know to have several errors in it.

So when in doubt, always go with Steve Christ's Big Block Fords.

[Barry_R]

I've run into pointer variances with my engines. Both used the same balancer, the same timing cover, but different O.E. 428 cranks. When checked upon assembly, one crank was exactly ten degrees different than the other at TDC.

I ended up modifying the pointer by cutting a notch in it at the ten degree point - - this way it will work with either short block - - but you do need to remember which one is which.....