Different timing pointer lengths?
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From: Conesus, NY
Different timing pointer lengths?
I just put the crank pulley on my engine and found that the pointer sticks out too far. I believe the timing cover is from a 8ba car engine and the pulley is from a 8rt truck engine. Was there a difference in pointer lengths or do I have something else screwed up?
Thanks, Bill
Thanks, Bill
Fleet Owner
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From: NM
I have a car engine and the pointer doesn't stick out that far, but my timing cover is from a Canadian engine, not sure if it's from a truck. Who knows? I'd paint the bump and the end of the point white while it's easy!
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Junior User
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From: Conesus, NY
I couldn't see Ross' picture while i was out and about today from my "smart" phone. I can see it now that I'm home. You're right. His looks too short and mines too long. I amazes me how many slight variations there are to these motors.
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From: Simi Valley, CA
8BA-6023 listed in car parts catalog for 1949/53:
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Fleet Owner
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From: NM
A heads up to anyone with a mismatched set; While my engine was apart, I checked the accuracy of the pointer and bump on the crankshaft pulley. The bump is supposed to be at 3 deg. BTDC when aligned with the pointer. Mine is not. It is at TDC. A small difference, but worth compensating for. I can't say what a car timing cover with a truck pulley would result in. (mine is truck timing cover, car pulley)
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Tuned
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From: Northern OR
Did you try the "positive stop method" of finding TDC or just the indicator set-up? The postive stop method might have given you a different end result. It's usually a bit more accurate. With the indicator method, the crank can sometimes move quite a bit with little or no movement at the piston.
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From: NM
Did you try the "positive stop method" of finding TDC or just the indicator set-up? The positive stop method might have given you a different end result. It's usually a bit more accurate. With the indicator method, the crank can sometimes move quite a bit with little or no movement at the piston.
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From: Utah
Is your pointer in the upper position (8RT) or lower position (0BA). ? Appears in upper position.
Also i can't see it but does your aluminum cover have the provision for longer shaft that goes into the hole for support beyond the gear?
I know there are quite a few variations on these covers but the upper pointer position on these aluminum ones say 8RT
Lower position says 0BA.
I don't have many cast iron ones here to compare but a couple for this really old thread..
Cast iron. Can't tell if pointer is in lower or upper position the cast iron section where pointer is located is narrow. This was on a 49 ish 8cm that was rebuilt, not sure if those parts where original.or got swapped around.
Cast iron from unknown year engine . Pointer in lower position.for car.
Cast iron lower position. Car? Runner engine. Unknown history.
Aluminum. Pointer in 8RT position ( upper)
Aluminum pointer in lower (0BA ) position. Car? With shaft guide for distributor. Long pointer.
Aluminum. Pointer in 8RT position. Short pointer. No provision for distributor shaft guide.
[img alt="Two styles of distributors to my knowledge.
"]https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/pxl_20260331_023934797_06b28b511005231488fca79c4a0 92b97bd46c177.jpg[/img]
Two styles of distributors to my knowledge.
Last edited by jmadsen; Mar 30, 2026 at 10:08 PM.
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