Im working on a Ford straight six thats used in a Clark Aircraft tug and need to time it tomorrow at work. I kinda vaguely remember seeing a plate on it somewhere that said "1968" so I guess its either the 240 or 300.

Are they both 10 btdc?

Also I found the mark on the flywheel and the (Drawn from memory) the timing marks look like this but were so covered in oil I didnt clean it up yet. Does anyone know what the marks mean? Im guess the large one on the left is 0 TDC, and then 10 and 15 btdc?

Thanks in advance.

 

Not necessarily. I've found it best over the years to use a vacuum gauge to set the timing rather some arbitrary numbers.

 

Same here, vacuum gauge is the best IMO. Couldn't find a way to get the timing light close enough to use with the air pump and alternator on there.

 

We dont have a vac gauge, its either going to get done with a light or by ear.

I should have thought to take a pic last week.

 

What side were the timing marks on? Many 300s had timing marks on both sides of the engine and two timing marks on the harmonic balancer. My '81 does.

On the passenger side, they're on a little metal plate that's bolted to the block. It hangs out over the HB and has little teeth on it.

On the driver side, they're embossed into the timing cover. The one that is 0° has a much longer line on it if I remember right.


The emissions era carb'd 300s were usually set to 6°, but I don't think you need to worry about that. 10° should do well enough if you're just needing to get it running right.

But, like others said, a vacuum gauge really is the best way.