The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop timing light question

Can I check the timing on my 305 without having the engine running? I can't get it to run, and I have already ruled out the carburator. When I try to start it, it will sputter, and backfire out of the carb. Sometimes when it quits it makes a hissing sound out of the carb and exaust gets blown out. So, I am guessing maybe the valve timing is off. How would I go about using a timing light?

Also, I checked my distributor today. I took the cap off and looked at it as I turned the flywheel. It doesnt immediatly start turning with the crank. Could it be caused by a stretched timing chain? Or could there be wear on the drive gears for it? Thanks guys.

Uh. No. If it ain't runnin the timing light is not gonna do anything. give that idea up.
but ballpark spark timing is easy if you just compare flywheel and distributor rotor positions.
(eye ball should get it close enough to run. Then do it by ear from there.)
But if you've got a lot of lash between crank and distributor rotor then you're not gonna be able to fix it with just timing. I'd go ahead and pull the valve cover. Then you should be able to check valve timing with cranking flywhell forward and again turning backwards. If the same valve event isn't at the same place both ways you can guess the timing chain has slack.

But, I'm no pro. see if you get beter ideas in here too.

There seems to be a lot of movement in the crank before any of the valves start to move. Guess it is time to pull the timing cover. by the by, where can I get a new timing chain for the 305?

Kanter auto parts will have them.