Gents,

I am trying to figure out the timing marks on this motor. This is a mid-60's 289 engine and I replaced the timing chain cover (dampener) while building the motor. When I got this motor running a few months ago I could not figure how to time the motor. With some research I found out that I am missing a pointer for the timing markers. The dampener came off a 74 302 motor. The original one has a large crack in it so we chose to swap it out for a new one from the junkyard. The number on the dampener is D7AE 6059AA.

The bolt holes for the pointer are but currently have no pointer. When viewing the balancer I do not see any timing marks on the balancer.

Any advice how to solve this problem?

I have attached a photo for your view. It is a pretty grainy photo because of the poor lighting in the garage.

Craig

 

Make or buy a piston stop. It's basicly a really long spark plug that the piston conacts before it hits tdc. You mark the crank pulley at whatever pointer you can make (coathanger on a waterpump bolt...). Then rotate the eng backwards until the piston hits the stop again. exactly halfway between the 2 stop points is true TDC

 

Ford moved the timing pointer and mark on the damper a couple times over the years, so the 302 cover might not locate the pointer in the proper original 289 location.

The reason you can't find timing marks on the harmonic dampener is because the outer ring is missing. That's where the timing marks are. Also, without that outer ring and rubber ring between it and the center part, there is no dampening effect. Plus the engine will be badly out of balance if the balancing weight was on this outer ring.

 

And the solution is?

Craig

Buy a new balancer? Repair the current one?

 

Good eye beanscoot. Craig, you need to buy a new balancer

 

I have been looking around for a balancer and that the a pretty expensive item. Should I try to find a old one or get a brand new one?

Craig

 

A used one should be fine. I picked up one recently for $10. You have to watch out for 3 vs. 4 bolt holes, how far it projects, and that it have the right balance.
Even so, it should be easy and fairly cheap to get one at a junkyard as they usually don't wear out and thus will still be on any engine there.

 

When you look for a used one, you should check the rubber that binds the outer ring to the inner hub to make sure it's not cracked. That's where the wear would be, and an extreme case of wear will allow the outer ring to fall off, like yours probably did at some point.

 

ford 289 harmonic balancer, eBay Motors. Great deals on eBay! Not a hard part to find cheap ,even new.

 

you can...

1. have your old dampner repaired by Dampner Doctor for about $50
2. You can buy timing mark tape from Summitt, Jegs, etc and check for top dead center, install a pointer and mark the pulley.

 

289 FORD MUSTANG NEW HARMONIC BALANCER : eBay Motors (item 270540942585 end time Apr-02-10 13:34:40 PDT) Or you can buy a brand new one for the same amount.