Hey there! I have an 83 Bronco with a 351w also and I replaced my timing cover and water pump. Unfortunatelly I think I am missing the little metal thing that goes on the timing cover to set TDC. It was located on the bottom left side of the timing cover.
Anyway, I also have a Mallory Distributor and can not even get the engine to spark. I get spark to the cap but nothing beyond. HELP! There are timing marks on the balancer that are as follows

0||||10||||20||||30BTC

Where do I need to put these marks in regard to the timing cover so I can atleast get some kind of spark to adjust the timing better.

Thanks!!

 

You need to go to a junk yard and see if you can get that little alighning piece or try the dealer it may not be too expensive from them. This would be best just so you always have a point of reference. Hope this helps and Good Luck,

Rick
86 302 EFI, bored 60 over, AOD,
Headman Headers, Flowmaster 40 series,
2 inch dual exhaust, MSD ignition

 

If you want to get it running.Put the #1 cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke.Install the distributor with the rotor pointing at the number one terminal on the cap.It should start.If not you've got other problems.Then you can adjust the timing by ear like the old timers would.Turn the dist. base slightly until you get a good idle.Rev. the motor if you get some valve clatter or pinging back off on the dist.a hair.That will get you fairly close until you can replace the pointer.

Billy

 

Yes this is deinfately what I had in mind. I have tried (it seems) to do this two ways. One: Put a rod in the #1 sparkplug hole and slowly rotate the engine via the Crank. When the rod is pushed up to its highest point I assume that is either actual TDC or 180 degrees out. That is why i was wondering if the timting marks should be lined up at the place where that piece went (if this is the general area)so I have a place to begin. Thanks for all the help!

 

If you put your finger over the hole and bumb the engine over with the starter(disconnect the coil wire and ground it)you will feel a puff of air when you are on the compression stroke.Yes the numbers should be visible on top of the balancer,it should be close to zero.If not the rubber inner piece on the balancer is broken and has "spun".The marks will then be off,you will have to buy a new balancer or use timing tape to set your timing.

Billy