It's alive!!! / timing question

[miletwo]

I just got my newly acquired 55 running after a 1200 mile tow home and weeks of parts hunting and rebuild efforts. With rebuilt carburetor and MAF 6-1 headers it runs and sounds freakin AWESOME!

Only problem is... can't see the mark on the flywheel with a timing light. I have an aftermarket Mallory dizzy and I'm wondering if that makes any diff. I can turn it back and forth to where the engine goes rough... but still can't find a mark anywhere near the middle.

Anyone have any ideas on how I can figure out where my mark is and maybe get it marked better? Is it possible that something else is wrong, and if so... what?

thanks,

J

" I never been so hoppy in my hoe rife " -- The donger

 

[TexomaFJ40]

I'm not sure I understand, make a new mark that shows up better? If it runs good, leave well enough alone.

 

[mallred]

Try searching under (Timing with a vacum gauge)in this forum, this is the only way I could time my DUI ignition as the mark was way out of the window, + it shows it you have other issues.

 

[Pighead]

Dude,
It is quite possible that: 1) Your dizzy gear is off a tooth on the cam gear, Or, B) Your plug wires are not in the right dizzy sockets, or both.
First, find the timing marks on the flywheel. Easiest when the bottom cover is removed from the rear of the engine. Shine up the BB and put some chalk on the TDC mark. Rotate the crankshaft until those marks are visible thru the little window on the bellhousing. Then look at your rotor and see where it's pointing. Should be pointing towards either plugwire #1 or #6 (if it points at #6 rotate the crank another full turn). When you get the timing mark in the window AND the rotor pointing in the general vicinity of spark plug #4 (on the block) you can pull the dizzy out and re-insert it so that the rotor is pointing where it should be. Then put the cap back on and make sure the plugwire nearest the rotor goes to plug #1.
This might sound more complicated than it really is, it's not. I used to have to do this to fit the vac-advance dizzy on my late F, before I started using the little oil filters.
Just make sure the dizzy is inserted all the way down and is turning the oil pump before you start it up.

 

[miletwo]

Thanks all... I'll give the suggestions a whack.

WOOHOOO!!! I GOT PIG!