help me set my timing
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Elkhart IN
help me set my timing
So I've got the old 300 running pretty good, but I still havent set the timing. I've read conflicting stories on how to do it. One side says use marks on drivers side, other side says use marks on pass side. this is on a 79 300, can someone guide me in the right direction? I'm going to run it to the car wash after I get home and try to clean the front of the engine up some to look for the marks. Thanks guys.
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It's been awhile but I think the marks on my '83' are on the drivers side. If you want I can check tonight but I would think that the 'timing marks' (not the marker on the dampener) are on only one side or the other.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
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Mine lined up on the driver's side. They were less convenient than the pass side would have been, but doing timing is worthwhile. I set mine at about 8 BTDC. Then I tuned the carb for max vacuum with a vacuum guage. It seems to be the optimum between power and economy.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
I have a '79 300. It is different than what I am used to. Instead of the marks being on the balancer, there is just one notch. Dot it with white-out. The timing marks are on a piece with several small pointers on the front of the engine. For me they are closer to the passenger side - but it has been a while since I last did it so don't quote me on that. I'd take a picture but I can't get my camera down far enough to get a good shot. Basically it's like setting the timing on any other engine except the pointer is on the balancer instead of on the engine. The marks and numbers themselves are stationary on the block. If the numbers are too hard to read when the light is flashing then just mark the pointer you need with white out when the truck is off, so that all you have to do with the timing light is line up the two white marks.
Last edited by fmc400; Feb 5, 2008 at 03:07 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Lancaster, SC
Just did mine this weekend on my '79. Use the marks on the passenger side. I used a small screwdriver to clean the 6 deg mark on the timing inicator and the balancer. I had to use a flashlight to see it.
My truck likes 6 deg which is what the hood decal recommends. I tried it at 8 deg, but it's strongest at 6.
My truck likes 6 deg which is what the hood decal recommends. I tried it at 8 deg, but it's strongest at 6.
Last edited by thunderb; Feb 5, 2008 at 04:03 PM.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Elkhart IN
Just found them on this thing. Drivers side timing cover for me. took alot of pressure washing to find them, but they were there. set it at 10, but I might try 6 or so if that seems to be a good number. I had to take off my alt belt to get a good view of it though.
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From: Savannah, GA
Originally Posted by fmc400
I have a '79 300. It is different than what I am used to. Instead of the marks being on the balancer, there is just one notch. Dot it with white-out. The timing marks are on a piece with several small pointers on the front of the engine. For me they are closer to the passenger side - but it has been a while since I last did it so don't quote me on that. I'd take a picture but I can't get my camera down far enough to get a good shot. Basically it's like setting the timing on any other engine except the pointer is on the balancer instead of on the engine. The marks and numbers themselves are stationary on the block. If the numbers are too hard to read when the light is flashing then just mark the pointer you need with white out when the truck is off, so that all you have to do with the timing light is line up the two white marks.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by N7ghtwolf
Could you elaborate on this?
Last edited by fmc400; Feb 6, 2008 at 09:38 PM.
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