I recently purchased a '67 F100. I believe it has a 302, defiantly a small block and not the 351 it came with according to the VIN. I didn't check timing or anything at first because it seemed to be running smooth. Recently it has started to run rough so I decided its time to break out the timing light. First I hooked up to what I thought was the #1 plug wire (it goes to the forward most cylinder). With the light, the mark on the balancer doesn't show so I hook up to other wires. The only wire that comes close to the mark is the #3 cylinder and its close but not on (over an inch off). I went ahead and tried to advance timing hooked to that wire but the vacuum on the distributor contacts a hose and can't be adjusted any further.
My question's are, (please don't tear me apart to bad), Its been a few years (about 15) since I work on cars and I want back in.
1. Am I completely confused on what cylinder is #1 or can #1 cylinder be the second cylinder back on the engine left side?
2. Is this distributor installed incorrectly? I don't see how the vacuum should contact this hose that completely stops it from advancing if properly installed.
3. If it is installed correctly, what do I do to time it and how.
4. I'm sure I have more questions but they can come later, we'll start the beating here.

 

On a Ford V8 the #1 cylinder is the front cylinder on the passenger's side.

 

On some engines the balancers can turn when they get old and this puts the timing marks out of whack. I don't know for sure if this is a problem for Ford engines, so someone else can chime in.
The distributor could be removed if you have to, for clearance, then re-installed one tooth back ( or forward, depending on which way you need ). Then adjust the timing to get the proper BTDC, but again, if the balancer has turned, it will never be the correct timing marks. I hope this helps.

 

The vacuum advance can, in a properly set up small block Ford, should point about 6:30 towards you as you look at the front of the engine. If it hits the upper radiator hose it is quite possible to be a tooth off for one. Number one plug then at your left hand first position.

Yes, the balancer can shift a little when the rubber in the middle gets old.

If that has happened it is still possible to time the engine despite the balancer. Does require a vacuum gauge or a good tach. I prefer the vacuum gauge since a tach might show a little fluctuation with the needle bouncing around 50 degrees plus minus.

 

302 not available until 1969, 351 not available until 1977.

Engine code is the 4th digit of the VIN / 1967 F100/350: A = 240 1V I-6 / B = 300 1V I-6 / Y = 352 2V / No other engines available.

Harmonic Balancer: At the factory, a rubber gasket is placed between the inner damper and outer pulley, then the three parts are pressed together forming a one piece assembly.

Over time, the gasket age cracks/shrinks, causing the outer pulley to begin to "walk away" from the inner damper.

If not noticed in time, pulley will separate from damper, fly off taking assorted belts along with it...may end up in the radiator core. Not pleasant!

 

Sounds like you found 180 on the distributor. Since you have no idea what engine you have I am not going to post all different possible firing orders. As stated #1 is the front cyl on the pass side of the engine.Your problem is not timing unless you found a dist that was left loose.