The motor is a 63 223. I am installing a new timing chain and am a little puzzled....... The spockets are notched to enter their respective keyways so they can only be installed one way. The circular punch marks are no where near opposite each other. I have the valve cover off and both @1 valves are closed. The rotor is pointing at #1 cylinder ( however I have had the distributor in and out so often recently I am not 100% sure that it is in the correct position). This motor turns clockwise and the timing punch marks are approx 80 degrees retarded . What do I have to do in order to bring these marks into their proper position and be sure I have the cam and crank in the correct position to each other?
Thanks in advance
Greg C

 

You have the cart before the horse. Set/turn the engine or cam so the timing gears marks are in the proper relationship (what ever the installation calls for) to each other, install the chain and then worry about the position of the distributor. The marks on the gears are the key setting and are the first thing done.

stractor

 

Thanks Stractor.

 

Are they supposed to be next to each other or as far apart as possible?

 

It depends on the application, but usually close/next to each other. Check the manual.

stractor

 

I don't have my manual with me. I was however talking with someone earlier.that has one and it appears to be a rather unusual setup. I set the cam with the key way straight down, the crank sprocket straight up, Both the sprocket marks point 45 degrees up and to the right. I installed the chain and turned it over by hand a couple of revs. I kept an eye on the valves and they opened and closed at the right time so I am satisfied it is currect. I am waiting on a gasket so it will be a couple of days before I can get it fired up.
Thanks for the replies.

 

I would still want to read that info for myself to be sure.

stractor

 

Finally got my manual back but it only shows the two gear set up for that engine year (63). I fired it up as described above and all appears right. Got my power back and idles smooth. Thanks again for the replies.
Greg C