460 timing
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 128
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From: kansas
460 timing
To All,
I have a boat with a 460. I had a DIS ignition system in it that died on me. This particular system is not used anymore. So, I changed it over to a MSD 5 box with a Blaster 2 coil and a mallory unilite distributor. All indications and test show the system is working properly, but the initial timing has got me. I found TDC the normal way by the piston location and the TDC indicator on the dampener. The distributor does seat easily. But It will only seat in certain positions. Where do I go from here? I assumed that where ever the rotor seated was where I put the No. 1 cylinder wire, but it will not start. I know that I will need to tune the timing once I start it. Is there a certain indicator that I need to initially put the rotor on, or does the plug wire and rotor need to match up regardless of the position of the rotor?
Thanks
dakejh
I have a boat with a 460. I had a DIS ignition system in it that died on me. This particular system is not used anymore. So, I changed it over to a MSD 5 box with a Blaster 2 coil and a mallory unilite distributor. All indications and test show the system is working properly, but the initial timing has got me. I found TDC the normal way by the piston location and the TDC indicator on the dampener. The distributor does seat easily. But It will only seat in certain positions. Where do I go from here? I assumed that where ever the rotor seated was where I put the No. 1 cylinder wire, but it will not start. I know that I will need to tune the timing once I start it. Is there a certain indicator that I need to initially put the rotor on, or does the plug wire and rotor need to match up regardless of the position of the rotor?
Thanks
dakejh
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 432
Likes: 3
From: Oregon Coast
460 timing
With the engine on top dead center with number one in firing position as confirmed by placing your finger over the spark plug hole to confirm this is the compression stroke you are then ready to place the distributor. First orient the distributor body how you want it and then set the rotor to point at you number one wire location. Then drop it down. If it won't go all the way just have someone bump the starter while you push down on it and it will drop the rest of the way. Now bring it around to number one compression stroke on top dead center again and confirm you rotor is indeed pointing at number one. Put a little advance on it and tighten it down. Now put your wires on and your ready to start it up and set it with a light.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
460 timing
Your dizzy is only seating in "certain positions" because of the oil pump drive. That's a hex shaped rod that goes between the bottom of the dizzy and the oil pump.
As long as the oil pump spins, it doesn't matter which position it's drive is at. It is OK to turn the engine over a little bit to get the hex shaft to seat into the dizzy.
As long as the oil pump spins, it doesn't matter which position it's drive is at. It is OK to turn the engine over a little bit to get the hex shaft to seat into the dizzy.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,882
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
460 timing
As Hired Gun said, make sure you have #1 on the compression stroke at TDC. I use a fuel fitting screwed into the spark plug hole with a piece of 18" hose to make sure I can feel the air coming out without being a contortionist. You could be 180 degrees off.
