Hot Rods Timing a 55 Pontiac 287? HELP!

Excuse my ignorance but how or where are the timing marks on a 55 Pontiac 287 V8? I see a small pointer but no real timing marks. It's running OK, but the only thing I can think of is using my vacuum gauge. I've got an RV type cam in it too. If I have to use the inspection hole on the bell housing I'm S O L cause the engine is in my 53 Pontiac and it was a tight fit.

 

Presumably the pointer is 0' when aligned with the mark on the balancer or crank pulley.

 

If you don't get a definitive answer before tomorrow evening, I can check out what the '55 Pontiac shop manual says about it when I'm at my garage.

 

There are 3 faint lines on the harmonic balancer.The first one is 0 degrees,second is 3 degrees,third one is 5 degrees.
According to the 55 shop manuel timing is 5 degrees.
You will probably need to sand the paint off the balancer.

http://www.pontiacsafari.com/

has a 55 shop manual online, look in section 12 for a pic of the balancer marks

 

that is the problem is that it doesn't come anywhere near the mark.

 

Oh, and I'm usinga 57 or 58 double pully balancer!

 

The balancer/pulley setup isn't from a truck, is it? They may have had the pointer in a different place on the timing cover.

 

Even I'd forgotten there's 3 marks on the balancer.

What you could do then is set the motor with the #1 at TDC and put a set of chalk marks on the balancer, then adjust it for 5' BTDC. Use the other set of marks for a reference of how far apart your chalk marks should be, with one at 0'. You could get really adventurous and paint them on, too.

 

hey rfstx1010, can you email me pictures of your 53 pontiac with the 55 287 v8, i'm doing exactly the same thing. i have a 53 custom catalina, and a complete engine and hrdra-matic out of a 55 safari wagon that had only 60,000 original miles. charlessdv8@yahoo.com charles coker, 1953 pontiac tech advisor. thanks

 

As was said before the timing is 5 degrees BTDC(Before Top Dead Center).Don't forget to disconnect and plug the vacuum line to the distributor and the idle should be around 500 rpm.

 

Sure send me a PM with your email and I'll send some pictures.

 

Thanks everyone for the help. I found the marks on the back side of the pulley groves, almost not visable unless you get the timing light in just the right spot. I put it on the second mark, and it starts right up.

 

Paint those marks yellow or white.......makes timing with a light much easier.

 

Paint pens are you friend! As well as my bifocals.

 

Hi I read this post and got a question . I own a 1955 GMC truck with the original Pontiac 287 but I do got two markings on the harmonic balancer only
Is the 0 degrees missing or why do I got two only?