set timing w/o marks

its prob a pretty "fng" question but how should i set the timing if the c/shaft pulley doesnt have a mark on it. i have an idea but dont want to go screwing more stuff up . thanks -joe

oh the motor is a '63 390 fe if it matters

 

the center line through the shaft bore and the aligning dowel should pick up the timing mark or show you where its supposed to be

 

Take out the number 1 spark plug. Stick a finger in the spark plug hole. Have a buddy tap the starter until you start to feel compression. Stick a long screw driver in plug hole. Have your buddy get a wrench and slowly turn the crank. Feel with the screw driver for movement and you'll pretty much get an idea where TDC is. Of course this isn't precise, but you'll know about where TDC on #1 + or - a few degrees. If you want it PRECISE, use a instruments or pull the valve covers.

 

sorry i didnt read it properly,was talking about camshaft

 

if your car will drive advance distibutor till it starts spark knocking under load, turn distributor back till it quits spark knocking. if its cranks hard when motor it hot turn it back a little more. this should get you close as long as you move the distibutor just a tiny bit at a time.

 

Vacuum guage, max vacuum then back it off a touch.

 

If you have it running, you certainly can do as brownsmetal said, however, if you want/need a precise mark and the heads are already on, there is a tool, an adjustable TDC finder, or you can make something that will work.
To determine TDC(top dead center) you put something in the #1 plug hole that hits the piston before it quite comes all the way up. You turn the motor both clockwise and counter-clockwise, making a temporary mark both times the piston comes against the stop. TDC is exactly in the middle of these two marks.
Now, I shouldn't have to tell you what kind of damage could be incurred should someone hit the starter while this device is screwed in the plug hole, but let me caution you and say; disconnect the battery, remove all spark plugs, and turn the motor manually.
Lots of luck,,,,,,,,,UNCLEE!!!!!!!!

 

that'll wake you up in the morning. thanks.

 

Is the harmonic dampener clean?

Lotta times it gets covered with oil, dust gets on it, the cycle repeats, the dampener gets covered and the tming mark is somewhere under the grunge.

If so, clean it and get some white paint into the timing mark to make it easy to see.

 

ok thanks. and should i set the timing with the va*** advance on the distributer hooked up or not?

 

Not....and, with the hose plugged with a screw/bolt/something.

I'm guessin' that what he was trying to say was "put your finger over the spark plug hole, not IN it." Jesus, that was a nice thing to view during lunch.