1959 f100 292, trying to set timing, having problems. I have my timing light lead hooked to the #1 plug wire and the vacuum advance line pulled from the distributor.

With the engine running the 4* BTDC mark is way too far away from the timing pointer on the engine. Lets say the pointer on the engine is at 11 o'clock, well the mark on the balancer is at around 2 o'clock.

Is it possible the chain jumped a tooth? The truck was still running and driveable but it had started to pop and backfire through the carb so I decided to check the timing and thats when I discovered this.

Is it possible the damper is on wrong? or its the wrong damper?
Do I need to replace my chain?

 

First check and see if the damper has slipped, if it has you need a new damper. Try turning the pulley and if the crank doesn't turn you need a new damper.

 

Have you tried turning the distributor to advance the timing to 4 degrees? It may just need adjusting. Rotate dizzy clockwise to advance. Check point gap and adjust if necessary before setting timing.

 

forgot to mention the truck has electronic ignition.

tried adjusting the timing and there is not that much adjustment there.

 

Then it is back to Juterbox's shifted balancer, your thought regarding timing chain, or the distributor rotor wasnt pointing to number 1 cylinder when it was installed. No other options come to mind.

 

it was a stretched chain. Now im having a time getting the balancer off

 

Use a ballancer puller. Seems like I have also used a steering wheel puller. I have to pull a balancer myself, and will let you know how the steering wheel unit works out.

 

i have a puller, having trouble getting the bolt out of the crank, is it reverse thread?

 

No, it is not reverse thread. Is the motor turning before you get the bolt to break loose?

 

yep. that and I wasn't sure if I was turning it the right way.

 

Maybe there is room for an impact wrench. If I remember right, the last time I broke loose balancer bolt with motor installed I jammed a wooden handle between the pulley and belt, and slowly torqued the bolt loose.

 

ok i got the balancer and timing cover off. I guess I need a gear puller for the crank gear. Oh well it will have to wait for the morning when I can get to the parts store. I have the gears all lined up and ready to take off all I need is the puller

 

Good. Timing marks should both be at three o'clock with 12 pins between them.

 

done and done. Thanks for all the help.