Timing 1971 390
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2022
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Timing 1971 390
I’ve got a 71 with a 390 in it. (I know it could be a 360 but it was born with a 390). Anyway I’m somewhat confused as exactly how to time it. I know it needs to be up to temp and the vacuum advance needs pulled off and plugged. What I’m not sure of is where to mark the harmonic balancer.
My old chiltons wasn’t much help and I’m not 100% sure from watching a ton of videos. I’m assuming you mark it at zero and when the line lines up with the pointer that’s the advance. if that’s the way I’m sitting at zero degrees of initial timing and about 15 lbs of vacuum. Initial adjusting if the air screws didn’t yield any change.
I was told the truck has a bad valve which makes most of the tuning futile anyway but it’s been running pretty good with the occasional miss until about a week ago and it misses a lot. I know when it started it had a vacuum leak. I fixed that but it still hasn’t run well. Regardless I’m just learning and if I can make it slightly better great and I hadn’t yet done any tuning to it. I just slapped the chineese carb on and kept working on other things.
My old chiltons wasn’t much help and I’m not 100% sure from watching a ton of videos. I’m assuming you mark it at zero and when the line lines up with the pointer that’s the advance. if that’s the way I’m sitting at zero degrees of initial timing and about 15 lbs of vacuum. Initial adjusting if the air screws didn’t yield any change.
I was told the truck has a bad valve which makes most of the tuning futile anyway but it’s been running pretty good with the occasional miss until about a week ago and it misses a lot. I know when it started it had a vacuum leak. I fixed that but it still hasn’t run well. Regardless I’m just learning and if I can make it slightly better great and I hadn’t yet done any tuning to it. I just slapped the chineese carb on and kept working on other things.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2022
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Any help in the timing?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
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Timing. 1st you need to verify that TDC corresponds with the pointer. 2nd need to get the harmonic balancer marked so you know what you're looking at. 3rd need to make sure the distributor is not worn out and walking all over the place.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2022
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right but where does the harmonic balancer get marked? At 0? That’s what I’m trying to figure out.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
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It has marks on it. Most likely covered in rust, paint and grime. 120 grit sandpaper should expose them then rub white chalk into them. Or you can get balancer tape which is the easiest to read. Before that TDC and the original mark needs to be verified to make sure the balancer hasn't slipped. If it has you need to replace it.
harmonic balancer timing tape for sale | eBay
harmonic balancer timing tape for sale | eBay
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2022
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I'm using a dialback timing light. What I'm asking is do I mark the balancer at 0 and adjust to the pointer? I understand it may have slipped etc. I have that all accounted for. I'm just confused on where to put a dab a paint marker on it to be easier to see. I'm fairly certain after hours of more internet searching that I'm correct but being the pointer is on the left side of the engine I just want to be certain. I had already done the sandpaper, checking etc.
I just need to know do I put a dab of paint on 0 and adjust to the timing from there using the dialback light? I can tell you the truck runs very poorly with vacuum disconnected and plugged from the distributer. I would expect it to run much better than it does. Given my past experinces with Model A's and retarding timing to start and as easy as this thing is to start I would assum that my reading of 0 timing is correct I just want to be sure my process is correct before monkeying with it.
I just need to know do I put a dab of paint on 0 and adjust to the timing from there using the dialback light? I can tell you the truck runs very poorly with vacuum disconnected and plugged from the distributer. I would expect it to run much better than it does. Given my past experinces with Model A's and retarding timing to start and as easy as this thing is to start I would assum that my reading of 0 timing is correct I just want to be sure my process is correct before monkeying with it.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 361
Likes: 7
From: Bliss NY
I'm using a dialback timing light. What I'm asking is do I mark the balancer at 0 and adjust to the pointer? I understand it may have slipped etc. I have that all accounted for. I'm just confused on where to put a dab a paint marker on it to be easier to see. I'm fairly certain after hours of more internet searching that I'm correct but being the pointer is on the left side of the engine I just want to be certain. I had already done the sandpaper, checking etc.
I just need to know do I put a dab of paint on 0 and adjust to the timing from there using the dialback light? I can tell you the truck runs very poorly with vacuum disconnected and plugged from the distributer. I would expect it to run much better than it does. Given my past experinces with Model A's and retarding timing to start and as easy as this thing is to start I would assum that my reading of 0 timing is correct I just want to be sure my process is correct before monkeying with it.
I just need to know do I put a dab of paint on 0 and adjust to the timing from there using the dialback light? I can tell you the truck runs very poorly with vacuum disconnected and plugged from the distributer. I would expect it to run much better than it does. Given my past experinces with Model A's and retarding timing to start and as easy as this thing is to start I would assum that my reading of 0 timing is correct I just want to be sure my process is correct before monkeying with it.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 258
Likes: 18
From: mid-nowhere AZ desert
If it's an older dialback, turn the **** to whatever degree advance you want, mark the balancer at 0 degrees (TDC) assuming the balancer hasn't slipped, and move your distributor till the mark on balancer and pointer line up at TDC. You will then be at the advance you set the dialback to. I like 12 degrees as starting point, then adjust to your particular engines performance. You can also use it to check your total advance by running engine at 3000 rpm and turn the dial till the pointer and TDC degree mark line up. The advance will be what the dial says on your light. Make sense to you?
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