help with timing

[dwjack]

I have an ongoing problem with my timing that I would like to finally figure out.
About 4 years ago I bought a 350 from GM part #10067353 and they sold me a balancer part #458652. The timing pointers that came with it are for the 2 o'clock position and the balancer was for 12 o'clock. I made a mark pretty close to TDC and guessed as for timing w/o a pointer.
A little while back I was doing work to my engine and thought that I would finally get everything right. Searching on the web I found the same engine for sale with balancer #6272222. I called the chevy dealer and they told me that this different balancer is the correct one for the engine. So I bought the Dorman version part #594-002.
So anyways, when I checked the timing the way it was set with old balancer it was about 3/4 of an inch before the pointer, with vaccuum advance plugged. I can't believe this is right, there is no way my engine would run decent if it was. When I set it to about 8-10 BTDC it stumbles off the line and runs rough cold.
I'm hoping someone can help me, it would be nice to finally set my timing and know what it is for sure, not just guessing.

[CRRoy71]

I just went through this. Heres what I did.

You need to get a TDC locator. It's a little gadget that screws into your spark plug hole. Pull #1 plug, and install the TDC locator. Turn the crank by hand until the #1 piston comes up and bumps the stop at TDC then put a mark on your balancer at 0 on your timing tab. Turn the crank the opposite direction until the piston comes back around and bumps the stop again, and put another mark on your balancer at 0. Measure to find the halfway point on your balancer between the two marks you made, and that will be your TDC mark for your balancer.

I also thought I had the wrong balancer for my engine, but it turned out that I did indeed have the correct one. My factory mark was right between the two marks I put on the balancer.

Hope this helps

[70ChevyLongbed]

I have a similar problem, but I have a press on balancer. How do I turn the crank without a bolt?

[CRRoy71]

They make a special socket for it, I am not sure how you would do it without that.

[gldevall]

Also, that engine came with 2 different timing indicators, 1 for a 6" damper and 1 for an 8" damper. Not sure if this helps though.

[KShortell]

Originally posted by 70ChevyLongbed
I have a similar problem, but I have a press on balancer. How do I turn the crank without a bolt?

You could always pull the dust shield at the bellhousing and use a flexplate/flywheel turner. Best of all, this is an inexpensive tool widely available (Pep Boys, etc.).


This is the one I have...


Lisle Corporation
Clarinda, IA
www.lislecorp.com

25500 FLEXPLATE WRENCH
Works Where Access is Limited.

Works on GM transverse mounted engines where spanner type tools won't fit. Adjustable grippers fit both wide and narrow rims. Works on all flexplates.

25500 Flexplate Wrench. Skin-packed. Shipping wt. 8 oz. Dealer Price $17.45






Good luck!

[70ChevyLongbed]

KShortell,

Thanks!