"Joe Sixpack" <flounder@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:YhoDh.552$CB2.8@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> I have a 327 sbc with an HEI distributor in my 1953 Chevy pu.. I've
never
> set the timing using a timing light, I just set it "by ear". I don't
drive
> the truck that much, but the engine seems to run just fine at all
speeds.
I
> recently put in a new HEI distribtor, and decided that I would check the
> timing using an inductive timing light that I bought at Auto Zone. The
> strange thing is that I don't see the timing mark on the harmonic
balancer
> lining up anywere near the timing marks on the timing chain cover even
> though I'm turning the distributor as far as possible in both
directions.
> It's so far off I can barely see it fla****ng on the other side of the
water
> pump. I've tried it with the vacuum advance disconnected and connected,
but
> still can't see the marks lining up. Yes, I have double checked and I do
> have the induction clamp on the #1 spark wire.
> Does anyone have any clue has to what could be causing this
problem.
Is
> it possible that the harmonic balancer was mounted incorrectly??
>
The hub is keyed to the crank, so could not be mounted out.
One possibilty is that the balancer has ****fted. Factory SBC balancers
are
two castings joined by rubber. With age ( 327's been around a while...)
the
rubber can dry out, crack, and even delaminate from one side or the other,
allowing the weight ring to slip relative to the hub. Get a mirror down
there with a flashlight and see what the rubber looks like. If its dry
rotted, cracked, etc. pick up an aftermarket one from Summit or Jegs in
the
same diameter.
'nother posibility is that someone replaced the timing cover or tab at
some
point in time - several combinations of balancer and tab configurations
have
been used over the years. Really suspect this if the timing cover and or
tab is chrome. If the balancer doesn't look bad, this is probably the
case
since you said the engine has been running fine. You can get a stick-on
timing tape for your balancer size, set the engine to TDC #1 cylinder, and
apply the tape to zero up with your tab pointer.
--
V8Z
Chevy V6 powered '66 Datsun Roadster
http://www.mildevco.net/chevypowereddatsuns/
Chevy V8 powered '77 Datsun 280Z
http://www.mildevco.net/chevypowereddatsuns/
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