The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Timing question

It's been a while since i timed an old vehicle.. On the 216 motor, when the timing ball is aligned with the pointer.. Is it always going to be at TDC or can it be at BDC also.

Two cylinders will be at TDC with the ball and pointer aligned, #1 and #6. Depending on which cylinder's valves are closed, one is at TDC on the compression stroke, and the other is at TDC between the exhaust and intake strokes. Look at the distributor rotor to see which cylinder is ready to fire. Once the BB is aligned, just turn the distributor housing clockwise until the points close, and then back it up CCW until they are barely open. The timing is set- - - -now it's just a matter of figuring out which cylinder needs the spark plug to fire. Some folks put a cork into both spark plug holes, and set the rotor to point toward the cylinder that pops the plug out as the engine is turned clockwise from the front to align the ball and pointer.
Jerry

Jerry,

Thanks for the reply. I thought each cylinder will be at TDC twice per cycle.. Distributer isn't in the truck right now.. Just trying to get it to TDC on #1cylinder so I can put distributer back in. I just didn't want to pull the valve cover to look at valves. Might have to do that though

If the truck has a starter and battery and will crank do the following. Get your helper to operate the starter when you tell them to. Remove #1 spark plug. Put your finger or thumb over the hole sealing it off. Have your helper bump the starter around until your finger/thumb is pushed off the spark plug hole. Look to see where the BB is and if necessary use the fan/belt (key off) to move the crank one way or the other to put the BB on the pointer. You shouldn’t have to tweek it but maybe an inch or two. Now you have #1 at or very close to TDC on the compression stroke. Install your distributor and set the rotor to where you want #1 to be. Install plug wires following the firing order. No valve cover removal unless your a perfectionist. Good luck.

I've used a "calibrated thumb" to find the compression stroke for over 60 years. A couple of corks allow you to do a one man timing job on an engine with a foot starter since I don't know of anyone without some primate DNA with arms long enough to sit in the cab and put his thumb over a spark plug hole.
Jerry

Thanks for the information.. Once I clean and replace points and condenser them I will put distributor back in

It's also possible to use a lever bar or a long screwdriver between the firewall and the starter linkage to bump the engine over from under the hood when checking for compression.
Jerry

Good idea Jerry..