1954 Ford F-250 with 223. Has the cast iron timing cover. Getting ready to fire up after a rebuild but there isn't a timing pointer on the cover. I understand it was bolted to the cover bolts. Can't verify that however. Is the timing pointer supposed to be at the 12 o'clock position. Can someone verify the position. I can always make a pointer.

 

Been 40 years since I had a 223 and I don't remember specifics on the pointer. You could static time it well enough to start with a test light by rolling the engine to TDC on #1 and using a timing light to twist the distributor to fire around there. Once it is started you can use a vacuum gauge to refine the tune and never need a timing light - there are numerous threads on how to time with a vacuum gauge. Wouldn't really need the pointer in that case.