I have a 302 of unknown origins, haven't found the block # yet so I'm not sure if it is original to my 86 f150. I assume at least the block is original but that's just an assumption at this point.

I found the obvious timing mark on the balancer but I'm not sure where the timing scale/index should be. I've read 10 different opinions on where it should be depending on the year of the block.

In this pic, is the 'v-notched' bracket the TDC mark for the reference scale? It appears to have '0' stamped on it...

 

Clean the damper up, usually the "scale" is actually on the damper itself with just a single reference point on the bracket mounted on the block you mentioned.

The only way to really make sure is to get a old sparkplug, bust the center out of it and rig it so a bolt will go through it and stick out the tip. Screw this into #1 cylinder and then CAREFULLY turn the engine around by hand till it stops. Make a mark on the damper across from the pointer, and then carefully turn the engine round the other direction till it stops against the stop again. Make another mark on the damper across from the block pointer.

Then carefully measure between the two marks and find the exact center between the two marks, that will be your tdc mark.

I believe you can buy a piston stop if you don't want to make one.

 

Ok, thanks. So, when #1 is at TDC, the mark on the balancer should line up with the circle stamped on the bracket in my pic? Correct? I kind of thought the pointer would be more precise than that.

 

As Franklin said, the scale is on the dampener. That aluminum "Vee" is not the pointer, that's a mount for a crank sensor (that I've never actually seen used).
Your pointer should look like this:



I can get a better pic if you want

 

Thanks for the pic. I can't find anything on my block resembling a pointer like that. What you can see in my original pic is everything I have on the passenger side, looking up from the bottom. From the center point to the drivers side is a tight fit to the water pump housing, you can't even fit a fingers clearance between the housing and the balancer so I know its not hiding up in there. I'm assuming the pointer has been removed and if so where does that leave me? Can I locate #1 TDC then mark the block to line up with the 0* mark on the balancer? (I did find the timing scale numbers on the balancer)

 

it looks like the crank sensor mount is bolted into the location where my pointer should be according to the pic

 

Tparkin, why not find TDC like was posted and make your own pointer.
They do it all the time when they degree a cam. Use heavy wire maybe welding wire to make the pointer and use a empty bolt hole with bolt to hold it in place.
Dave ----

 

Make your own pointer and buy one of those stick-on timing scales that stick to the damper.

 

lucked up and got a pointer/bracket at a nearby JY...free of charge!