I'm having timing problems on a sbc. When I use a timing light it keeps reading advanced on the harmonic balancer. I've tried another timing light but the same reading. Checked all my wires. I hooked the timing light to different spark plug wires but that doesn't help at all. I have an accel dual point with an ignitor II pickup. The distributer had vac. advance but I removed it and locked the plate. That didn't make any difference either. The mech. advance weights move freely and the springs are there. Also, I installed a double roller timing chain a year ago. The motor does run and idles but of course dentonates if put under too much load. Is it possible the microprocessor in Ignitor II messed up maybe my timing chain prematurely stretched? Any help would be greately appreciated.
I have about the same setup you are describing. I finally set the timing with a vacuum gauge. worked like a charm. Without me rehashing old posts do a search for words vacuum and timing, this is how I found out how to do it, also you can the gauge to fine tune your carb(s) after timing is set.
It is not uncommon for the outer ring, with the timing mark, to slip so that the timing mark is not accurate anymore.
Tommy I agree. I have seen the balancers slip on a few motors. a Replacement is pretty cheap and good insurance. Balancers that come apart make a mess.
Before I'd replace the balancer, I'd just verify the timing marks by putting the motor on TDC then start from there.
hey LEADSLED...it could be something as simple, as being idled up way to much. and forget about the chain streching, that's not probable with a double roller. i agree in not changing the ballancer. idle that bad boy down as low as possible, it's free insurance my friend! some of those dist. weights move with a wisper. call me POP...or the old FART.
Damn! Thanks for all the info. I know my balancer is good cause its very new. Hopefully I can look at this tommorrow night.
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