Setting timing without any timing marks?
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Out of here
Setting timing without any timing marks?
I was going to check the timing on my 84 F250 (5.0L - Carburated) and while looking at the balancer, there are no marks on it except for one big notch.
The pointer is also different, it just has a hole in it. Not your typical pointer that lets you see where the timing actually is. And, it's tucked way underneath the alternator. I don't know how you could even see it if it was adjustable.
I know there are certain distributors that are controlled by a computer, but after ripping my truck completely apart for a rebuild I did not see anything other than the Duraspark box on the passenger side inner fenderwell. The dizzy does have a vacuum hose hooked up to the carb for advance, so I just assumed that it could be adjusted.
What gives? I'd like to know where my timing is, but don't have a clue how to check it.
The pointer is also different, it just has a hole in it. Not your typical pointer that lets you see where the timing actually is. And, it's tucked way underneath the alternator. I don't know how you could even see it if it was adjustable.
I know there are certain distributors that are controlled by a computer, but after ripping my truck completely apart for a rebuild I did not see anything other than the Duraspark box on the passenger side inner fenderwell. The dizzy does have a vacuum hose hooked up to the carb for advance, so I just assumed that it could be adjusted.
What gives? I'd like to know where my timing is, but don't have a clue how to check it.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Out of here
Sorry, but I already know what my options are.
I just need to know why it is set up this way? Even if there were/are timing marks on the balancer (I swear there are none there except for about an 3/16" wide groove straight across), you'd never be able to see in the 1/4 hole to fire the light and see the marks.
I just need to know why it is set up this way? Even if there were/are timing marks on the balancer (I swear there are none there except for about an 3/16" wide groove straight across), you'd never be able to see in the 1/4 hole to fire the light and see the marks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
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From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
you hook a strobed timing light up in the whole and it flashes at #1 and the groove should be under the hole. but if you dont have the stuff, then do it the other way.
parts number guy should have the rotunda number for the proper strobe
parts number guy should have the rotunda number for the proper strobe
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
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I've seen that before, but I'll be danged if I can remember where. I also recall thinking the same thing once, and then finding some very faint timing marks. Is the thing clean and have you checked all the around it? I have the pointer with the hole on the timing cover that came with the 351W core that I bought. Unfortunately, I scrapped the balancer and didn't pay any attention to marks on it , just the groove around the seal. My 80 has the same pointer on it but its dark and I can't turn it over anyway to see if it has marks or just the line. Tell you one thing though...looks like a 50oz balancer, makes me want to pull the starter and see what year it is. I've always timed them by ear, but I thought the same thing when I saw mine.
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Postmaster
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From: Out of here
I'll have to take some sandpaper to it and get a light under there to take a better look.
Even if there are marks on the balancer, it's going to be a beotch to get a timing light shining into that little hole UNDER the alternator.
Maybe I'll just swap out the balancer and pointer for something a little more user friendly.
I can tune by ear, but it's always nice to know exactly where you are at. While I'm at it, maybe I'll put one of those timing tapes on the balancer and check the total advance too.
Thanks for the replies.
Even if there are marks on the balancer, it's going to be a beotch to get a timing light shining into that little hole UNDER the alternator.
Maybe I'll just swap out the balancer and pointer for something a little more user friendly.
I can tune by ear, but it's always nice to know exactly where you are at. While I'm at it, maybe I'll put one of those timing tapes on the balancer and check the total advance too.
Thanks for the replies.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
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Like quaddriver said- I guess there is a light that fits in the whole. Even if you had that though, If your truck is anything like mine, it's easier to line up open sights on an elk 350 yards away than get a clear veiw of the pointer. I think you're supposed to pull the alternator,ac, and upper radiator hose first.
