Timing a 96 5.0

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Jan 10, 2004 | 07:19 PM

BigRedBronc

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From: Groton, CT

Timing a 96 5.0

Here's one that is driving me nuts.

I have a 96 5.0 and cannot find any reference marks anywhere to check/verify base timing. My Haynes manual, Chilton's, and ALLDATA all have procedure for verifying base timing, but I cannot find a timing mark anywhere. Been over, under, upside down and all around.

I realize, of course, that the computer controls the timing under normal circumstances. The base timing value is on the engine compartment sticker and is referenced in many procedures, but I cannot figure out how to check it.

Thinking about installing a Crane Powermax cam, and looking into all the hurdles in advance. The timing mark is a big hurdle.

Any of you 96 owners run into this?

Tom H.
http://www.clubfte.com/users/bigredb...BigBronco.html

Jan 10, 2004 | 07:37 PM

ALSAIR

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From: Miami

You probably don't have timing marks on your harmonic balancer, Or if you do they are covered with oil ( see previous posts on engine leaking oil) and road grime and just gotta clean it up. You can order timing marking tape from jegs or summit and even auto parts stores carry it. Just locate T.D.C. on #1 piston and install, provided you have a pointer?

She Ain't Revved Ti'll The Rods Are Thrown!
Al

Jan 10, 2004 | 08:57 PM

BigRedBronc

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From: Groton, CT

No dirt, no road grime, no oil, no pointer...nada nothing no reference markings whatsoever. My engine compartment is cleaner than most peoples bathrooms.
There are no cuts, stripes, lines, pointers, or anything resembling such anywhere near my harmonic balancer. Been toolin' around under the hood for goin on 20 years, and the usual stuff just is not there. Been up close and personal with it.
The truck was stone stock when I bought it, no indications anything has been removed around the balancer.

any other ideas

Tom H.

Jan 11, 2004 | 12:30 AM

BroncoRoadKill

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From: San Antonio, Texas

weard. Sounds like me and the other mechanics when we got one of the first GM vortecs in. A 97 or so surburban, after this one, we saw more and more of them, these things would blow the intake gaskets out at 60,000 miles.
Thats why I don't like working on GMs, they did away with timing marks and other things that make it easy for the home mechanic to do work.

Jan 11, 2004 | 06:10 AM

ALSAIR

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From: Miami

Everybody I mentioned before sell's timing pointers as well. Man, that BLOWS, what kinda crap is that? I definetly would not attempt a cam change until that is taken care of. Good luck, please let us know what ya did.

She Ain't Revved Ti'll The Rods Are Thrown!
Al

Jan 11, 2004 | 10:22 AM

Errgo

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Take the spark plug out of #1 cylinder and bring it up to TDC then looking squarely at the harmonic balancer any timing marks will be on the side of the balancer at the 11 o-clock position. Hope this helps.

Jan 11, 2004 | 03:47 PM

BigRedBronc

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From: Groton, CT

Yup, I know where the timing marks should be. Problem is...there is no mark on the balancer anywhere. Checked every square inch, nothing, nada, zero, zip, zilch.

Guess I am gonna have to buy the stick on marks and install a pointer as ALSAIR suggests.

Thanks for the input guys...still looking for a 96 owner who has leaped this hurdle before. Interested to hear what you did.