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Customs What r My Options on timing tab problem

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by swaluda, Apr 18, 2015.

  1. swaluda
    Joined: Oct 12, 2012
    Posts: 127

    swaluda
    Member
    from pa.

    Bought a crate SBC. Found TDC is an inch past my timing tab, what Options am I looking at, thanks for any advise,,,,Stan
     
  2. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 55,941

    squirrel
    Member

    Mark the damper where it needs to be. Change the timing tab. Put degreed timing tape around the damper. Replace the damper. Replace the engine. Write down how far off it is, and use that info every time you use a timing light on it. Lots of options....
     
  3. swaluda
    Joined: Oct 12, 2012
    Posts: 127

    swaluda
    Member
    from pa.

     
  4. swaluda
    Joined: Oct 12, 2012
    Posts: 127

    swaluda
    Member
    from pa.

    Thanks Squirrel, Makes sense to me
     

  5. BamaMav
    Joined: Jun 19, 2011
    Posts: 6,709

    BamaMav
    Member
    from Berry, AL

    I think Squirrel pretty well covered it.
     
  6. gas & guns
    Joined: Feb 6, 2014
    Posts: 370

    gas & guns
    Member

    Had that problem before. Made a pointer, bolted it to timing chain cover. Cut a new mark in the balancer with a three corner file. Then timing tape. I like to mark the balancer in case the cheap ass tape falls off.
     
    pitman likes this.
  7. Tune with a vac gauge? That's what I do anyway.
     
  8. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 55,941

    squirrel
    Member

    When you tune with a vacuum gauge, how do you set total timing? Do you just hope that the advance curve is set up right?
     
  9. This is what I did years ago on some forgotten engine, only I cut the new mark on the home made tab since its easier to file on it than file the balancer.
     
  10. aaggie
    Joined: Nov 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,530

    aaggie
    Member

    Pull #1 spark plug and find true TDC. Moroso, Mr. Gasket and others sell adjustable timing pointer tabs that attach using existing timing cover screws. Align the "0" on the adjustable pointer with the mark on your balancer. You can also make your own using the other suggestions.
    I have a mismatch of parts on my 400SBC so I laid a roofing nail in the groove on my balancer and held it in place with a magnet then tack welded the head to the timing cover. I snipped off the excess nail and hit it with some white paint and it works perfectly. There are lots of ways to fix your problem.
     
    gas & guns likes this.
  11. mt shasta steve
    Joined: Mar 26, 2010
    Posts: 270

    mt shasta steve
    Member

    Had the same problem on my '41 with sb Cheby. Off by about 20 degrees. I used timing tape, and now I just use 20 as TDC.
     

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