Setting the timing on a 354 Hemi.

I have a 56 Chrysler New Yorker with a 354 Hemi engine. When I bought the car it was in dire need of a good tune up. I have gotten through the tune-up and it helped the engine a lot. But when I go to set the timing on the engine, and look at the harmonic balancer for the timing marks I don't see any. I have the timing pointer arrow, but no mark on the balancer.

Is that normal, and if so, how would you be able to set the timing to 4 degree BTDC? Do the balancer on the old Hemi engines come with a timing mark or do you need to mark it and time off that. The 56 service manual I bought isn't much help. Any help would be appreciated.

 

That balancer should have a timing mark. You will need to fing tdc on #1 and make a new mark.

Rob

 

Right on, Rob.

FYI, different year engines had different timing pointers. Parts easily get changed, mismatched, etc over 50+ years...

As Rob said, finding TDC on #1 (with a piston stop tool) and marking the balancer is the sure way of doing it properly.

 

OK, that's what I'm hearing from several people. Thank you for the input.

 

I have the same engine with no pointer and a pretty boogered up balancer. I need help getting started. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

It's a DeSoto, but similar enough use as an example. I replaced the dual points with a Pertronix, dropped the distributor back in at TDC on #1, fired as soon as I touched the key. I then timed it by ear, advance the timing until it kicks back against the starter, then back off a touch. It's simple but it works.

 

If you want to check tdc just pull the #1 plug and drop in a long wooden dowel. As you rotate the ***embly...BY HAND... watch the dowel rise and fall and when it tops out and sits there a wee bit you have it. You can watch the rockers through the valve cover hole to determine if you are on the intake.

 

Hook a vacuum gauge up to manifold vacuum get it to max vacuum and back it off a little.