1968 Mustang 302v* timing marks re dux

T

troutmalt

Member
with reference to my previous post titled "1968 302V8 K code"
First thanks to all you great gearheads for the useful comments,

I have purchased a numbered timing tape to adhere to my harmonic balancer, So it it critical that I index it perfectly.

I hate the hassle of confirming #1 cylinder is at TDC.

Can you all reconfirm that the line on the harmonic balancer is true TDC
and not an "advanced" setting.
 
There should be more marks like the above picture. The larger mark it tdc. If the balancer hasn't slipped.
 
Considering the age of the balancer, it has most likely slipped a few degrees by now. These were mass produced, at best they were probably "close" . The most accurate way to know is to find actual TDC of #1 piston
 
The best thing is to use a piston stop and find TDC. It’s a pita as you’re aware. But that doesn’t tell you anything in terms of driving an older car. Most of my experience involves modified engines - cams, compression, intakes, headers, etc. So the factory spec is only a starting point. For years we advanced the timing until we got a “ping” under load, and then backed it off a couple degrees. Repeat as necessary.

Does the engine start and run now? Drive ok on whatever fuel (fresh fuel, you can’t tune with bad fuel). I don’t know if those balancers are a problem, but it’s a real common problem on a y block.

Most street engines of conventional design seem to like 8-10 initial and somewhere around 34-36 degrees all in at 3000 or so RPM. Centrifugal advance only, no vacumn (or disconnected). Might be time to take that route.

The other useful tool is a dial back timing light. It’s an easier method of working around a fixed starting point. Some ignitions don’t like them, but mine works fine with a pertronix.
 
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Thanks all for the comments.
My car is a restoration project. Engine runs but car not is not driveable. Yes, for years I relied on my ears to detect ping. The best method.
Only now my hearing is so bad I could not hear a ping. I think I will start at finding TDC.
 
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