I have a 1986 Bronco with the 300, I cannot for the life of me find where to check timing on the engine? Ive looked at every pulley and there are no marks and not stamped metal indicator anywhere that i can see? Also In a box in the back i found new headers and a Offenhauser c series manifold..So i understand i need a square bore carb, But which one should i get for a basically off road rig only, All im going to be doing with this is taking off road trails and use it for a hunting rig..So A ton of horse power isnt needed i would rather improve MPG. So what suggestion for a carb in 2 brl or 4 ? Thanks

 

Hi Gunnerboy,

The timing marks are on the front of the timing gear cover on the driver's side. Some have an extra set of marks on the passenger side, but it's on a plate that can be removed, so it's possible someone took it off at some point.

You can see the timing marks in this picture just above the harmonic balancer and to the left of the circle on the face of the timing cover:



As for your question on the carb/headers, this is probably the most discussed topic on this forum, so there is TONS of information on it (more than can be regurgitated here). A few quick searches should pull up plenty to read.

Since you're looking at primarily an off-road rig, you'll want to keep the carburetor smaller to promote good low end throttle response. The Holley 390cfm or QuickFuel 450cfm (I prefer the latter) are good options.

A 2bbl carb is also a good option if you don't want or care about the extra complexity/power of a 4bbl. Most suggest a Motorcraft 2150 with a 1.08 venturi.

 

Awesome! thats what i needed to know..Lets see if i can find a used 4 barrel then!

 

My son used an autolight 2100 1.08 on his offenhauser, I use an autolight 2100 1.12 on my clifford. The both work great on our stock engines.

 

here is timing marks I found cast into the timing cover, is there a line on the pulley to correspond?

 

There should be. If you want to double check, remove your #1 spark plug (closest to the radiator).

Rotate the engine over by hand while looking down into the spark plug hole until you see the piston come up as high as possible. At this point, the mark on your harmonic balancer pulley should be right at, or at least near, the 0° on the timing cover. If it's not, it's possible that your balancer has slipped. This is when the vulcanized rubber that holds the outer ring of the pulley onto the inner ring has degraded to the point that the outer ring can freely move. If so, it needs to be replaced.