How to adjust timing if you can't see the timing marks?

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Trevor B

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I have a weird situation and would love any creative solutions people may have:

My Duster has a 360 magnum crate engine that I bought used - it's in great condition and runs strong. However, the previous owner had installed a serpentine belt system, I believe from a Jeep Grand Cherokee or something. Anyway, it works well but almost completely obscures the timing marks on the timing cover. There is the tiniest little opening you can look through to see a part of the timing cover but you cannot shine a timing light on it at the same time you look at it.

I'd prefer not to switch out the serpentine belt - if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

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Line up the mark on the damper with 0. Or for the best accuracy in the future, use a piston stop to find the TDC on #1. Then make a mark on the timing cover and damper where you can see them while using the timing light. Anywhere will do. Then, using the damper mark as the 0 reference, apply a timing tape on the damper.
 
get a timing tape for the balancer, find a location you can see the ballancer clearly. rotate engine till it is at TDC #1. make a pointer that you can bolt onto the timing cover (Like 67 273 uses) add that and then put the tape on the balancer to have "0" line up with the new pointer.

good luck
 
Me, I would pull the belt and check the timing. I am sure you can get it all checked before it even comes close to over heating....
 
As above..........Find an area of the balancer you CAN see, even if underneath. Fabricate a new pointer and mount it with whatever bolts/ hardware are acessible, pan, timing cover, etc. You want the pointer somewhere that you can see it and the balancer.

Now use a piston stop to confirm TDC is accurate on the original setup.

Last, just rotate the engine to accurately align with whatever mark or two that you want for timing, and scribe/ paint a new mark opposite your new pointer.

OR if you can set timing fairly quickly, run engine BRIEFLY and set timing with the belt off.
 
Thanks Guys -
I'll get some timing tape. It will be funny doing this all upside down, as you can only get a really good view from below!
 
If you really want to be fancy you could mount a sensor on the timing cover and glue a magnet to the ballancer and get some sort of timing circuitry to compare the spark signnal to the crank signal. An oscilloscope (sp?) would work.
 
just hook vacuum gauge up to manifold vacuum port.....turn distributor until highest vacuum level is achieved....may have to readjust curb idle if carbureted and go back and forth until your idle is set at proper rpm and highest vacuum level is achieved....done deal
 
just hook vacuum gauge up to manifold vacuum port.....turn distributor until highest vacuum level is achieved....may have to readjust curb idle if carbureted and go back and forth until your idle is set at proper rpm and highest vacuum level is achieved....done deal
Ok so now it idles, How about the power timing?
 
You have such a alternator brace that towards the left you could add A/C no problem.... if you really wanted.
 
Implied in the answers to setting by highest idle vaccuum or some such is that you need to shorten up the advance curve or be way over advanced when reved up
I sell brooms and dustpans
 
Realistically couldn't you just find true TDC and apply Summit Racing timing tape on the balancer?

I have a magnum engine and have used a timing light on stock balancer. However the engine is computer controlled so I can't change the timing via the distributor. I just hooked up the timing light for chit and giggles.
 
Sure, I have made new TDC marks in the strangest places, like
Laying on my back under a truck, or
drilling a hole in the bellhousing and marking a tooth on the ring gear, etc.
Just make one any where you want it to be. And you don't need a tape either if you can do a lil math. Or if you have a dial-back lite.
 
I had Similar problem with a 360 in my 69 cuda and bottom radiator hose on the driver side. I bought a 1967 and back bolt on timing marker for the passenger side here on the forum. Think I paid 20$ shipped. Looks original. Before about 1968 the were not cast into the timing chain cover. I lined up TDC on the original right side I could barley see and made a slot with a Dremel tool on the pass side. Worked out great.
 
just hook vacuum gauge up to manifold vacuum port.....turn distributor until highest vacuum level is achieved....may have to readjust curb idle if carbureted and go back and forth until your idle is set at proper rpm and highest vacuum level is achieved....done deal


if it pings at WOT just back off a little on timing....not rocket science
 
You can still have pinging and not hear it... Or be too far advanced for best power but not enough to make it ping


and you can have those with timing tape and a timing light also....so what's your point??
 
and you can have those with timing tape and a timing light also....so what's your point??

Nothing is accurate, that's my point! LOL

At least with timing tape and a light, you know where the timing is... still better to know than to just shoot around in the dark? Sometimes 2 degrees can make a noticeable difference but you'd never be able to adjust that little by ear/feel
 
I have a weird situation and would love any creative solutions people may have:

My Duster has a 360 magnum crate engine that I bought used - it's in great condition and runs strong. However, the previous owner had installed a serpentine belt system, I believe from a Jeep Grand Cherokee or something. Anyway, it works well but almost completely obscures the timing marks on the timing cover. There is the tiniest little opening you can look through to see a part of the timing cover but you cannot shine a timing light on it at the same time you look at it.

I'd prefer not to switch out the serpentine belt - if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

View attachment 1715315726 View attachment 1715315727

Sorry to hijack but nice radiator BTW how do you like it? I got an ECP rad for my Duster as well, works great so far and the fit was excellent for being aftermarket!
 
Nothing is accurate, that's my point! LOL

At least with timing tape and a light, you know where the timing is... still better to know than to just shoot around in the dark? Sometimes 2 degrees can make a noticeable difference but you'd never be able to adjust that little by ear/feel


Ok so now I have degree numbers to look at and know where it is at.....whoopie........it's timing....not brain surgery....drive the freaking thing
 
I have a weird situation and would love any creative solutions people may have:

My Duster has a 360 magnum crate engine that I bought used - it's in great condition and runs strong. However, the previous owner had installed a serpentine belt system, I believe from a Jeep Grand Cherokee or something. Anyway, it works well but almost completely obscures the timing marks on the timing cover. There is the tiniest little opening you can look through to see a part of the timing cover but you cannot shine a timing light on it at the same time you look at it.

I'd prefer not to switch out the serpentine belt - if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

View attachment 1715315726 View attachment 1715315727

Get a piston dead stop tool and set the engine to true TDC...

Then make a reference mark on the engine where you can see it, and then make a corresponding reference mark on the harmonic balancer... Now those are your new timing marks....

Summit Racing® Piston Stops SUM-900189
 
Thanks everyone -
It worked. I have a new "TDC" at about 5 o'clock on the balancer and fabricated a little pointer. Have to look at it from underneath but now very easy to read.
Much appreciated!
 
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