Timming mark on a Chevy 350 V8

[sled_dog]

his problem isn't FINDING TDC, it is setting base timing. Which being a TBI, is very important. It needs to be set to 0*. I tried 2* before and my truck ran like dog crap. I don't care how good you are at finding TDC, you won't set the base timing at 0*.

 

[PorterzCustomz]

his problem isn't FINDING TDC, it is setting base timing. Which being a TBI, is very important. It needs to be set to 0*. I tried 2* before and my truck ran like dog crap. I don't care how good you are at finding TDC, you won't set the base timing at 0*.

Wow, before I read this I thought I was going crazy, yes this is what im trying to explain.

PS: I dont even see the bolt holes were the timming marker would go if I were to buy one?

Someone must have a picture of where its suppose to go so I can get some idea

 

[Pvt. Maggot]

If you set it at tdc and point the rotor cap towards the number 1 cylinder would that not be finding a base timing, then you could run it and tweak the timing. How i've always done it...Unless TBI is that much different...which I doubt.

 

[sled_dog]

factor they are spot welded to the timing cover. Guess yours is an aftermarket cover. No idea why anyone would do that. Never installed an aftermarket pointer, so I will let someone else explain that.

 

[sled_dog]

If you set it at tdc and point the rotor cap towards the number 1 cylinder would that not be finding a base timing, then you could run it and tweak the timing. How i've always done it...Unless TBI is that much different...which I doubt.

how would you know its at 0*? thats my point. It is critical for it to be at 0*. When I set mine to 2* or 4*, it ran great at idle. But while driving it ran like crap and backfired through the intake.

 

[76zimmer]

OK engine guys correct me if I'm wrong but, if you install an aftermarket timer, to precisely do it, it should be done by degreeing the crank, then you will know exactly where true TDC is. Timing marks on the balancer can move some over time, and degreeing with a wheel will get it exact. You can put a piston stop in the spark plug hole, and measure each direction that the crank stops, then find 1/2 way between the marks, and you got TDC. But this will require some front end dis-assembly to get a degree wheel on the crank.

 

[PorterzCustomz]

Can someone PLEASE tell me at least about where the mark should be located if I were to buy one I dont even know where to put it!! There is a bump on the cam cover could this be it?? Is this at least near where it should be?? I cant get a screwdriver in there I even tryed putting other things in the spark plug hole but the pistons are on an angle so it dont really work

 

[PorterzCustomz]

Can someone show me a picture of a stock timming cover so I have an idea where its suppose to be?? How would they have installed this aftermarket cover without a timming mark?

 

[Pvt. Maggot]

chrome covers come without them. I have one as well. i'll see if I can dig something up for you to see where exactly it mounts. yes the pistons are on an angle, but you'll feel when they are at the top.

 

[PorterzCustomz]

chrome covers come without them. I have one as well. i'll see if I can dig something up for you to see where exactly it mounts. yes the pistons are on an angle, but you'll feel when they are at the top.

Allright, thanks!!

 

[4X4HIGH]

Here is a pic i just took of my timing tab on a 1989 engine.

 

[dyeager535]

There are at least two different balancer/timing tab setups, (no idea if TBI was always the same) so you can't just go out and buy a piece, hioping it's right.

If the part you are buying is broken down year-wise, then it will probably be correct. I expect all TBI trucks to have the exact same timing mark, but I wouldn't buy parts assuming so.