Timing scale on outside of flathead?

busmania

busmania

Well-known member
When I built my engine (1000 Miles) I think I forgot to install a timing scale. I marked the pulley for #1 tdc but without a scale it’s kinda useless I think? Where might I buy a scale? Link?
 
I just marked the pulley with a white line at #1 Tdc at 12 o clock. Not really sure why I did, but I think at the time I assumed most timing was set with the distributor off of the car but if it’s a thing I’d like to check with a timing light while it’s running.
 
You have to have a timing mark that correctly denotes TDC for cylinder #1. If you don't have a mark and a pointer, then you can create one using the "hard stop" method - with a nylon zip-tie. Look that up via a search on this forum.

Once you know where TDC is for #1, then you can use a "dial back" timing light to determine how much advance you have at any given RPM.

Hope this makes sense!

Happy Thanksgiving and Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!

B&S
 
Brothers Custom Automotive in Detroit sells a real nice stainless one. But as B& S noted MUST have correct TDC mark first. I also just mark the pulley.
 
I put a pointed stud in a timing cover right side bolt hole. A nut holds the cover tight. You could do the same and roll the engine over to get your mark up at TDC. Put a new mark that lines up with the pointer.
You would need a timing light to set the timing.
You might rig up a scale from some other engine and attach it using the cover bolts.
I think just the pointer would work as well especially you had an adjustable light.
 
if you find and mark pulley for tdc you can figure the degrees on the diameter.
just take 3.14(pie) multiplied by the diameter of pulley and divide that by 360. that will give you distance from each degree mark. so if its a 6 inch pulley it would be .052 per degree on outside diameter. or 4 degrees it would be .208 from tdc. just a example i dont know what the dia is that you have.
 
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