The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop TDC Question ...1957 (235)

Hey fellas,
Tom Langdon suggests that I set my timing to 10-18degrees b4 TDC with my new HEI distributor/coil.
Here is my question: before I bring the flywheel around to the silver ball (TDC),on the flywheel first thing I see is a 'triangle', then a line, followed by a second line, then the silver ball. What does the triangle mean? What does the 2 lines mean? Where is 10degress b4 TDC? Where is 18?
I hope I explained this so you guys can understand. Thanks for your help!
J.R. in VA

I don't recall what the triangle and the lines are timing wise, but your est bet for setting the timing is to get a good timing light that has an adjustable advance knob on it. Use the timing ball to set it using the dial on the light to set the amount of advance you need.

The earlier motors had a triangle mark at UDC or Upper Dead Centre. The ball was the standard timimng mark for use with a timing light.

Johnnyrock-

I have the same set-up you do. Same marks on the flywheel and same Langdon HEI. Longbox is right. Use the steel ball on the flywheel for timing and get a timing light that allows you to dial-in the advance. My 235 seems to run best when the steel ball is smack on the bell-housing pointer (which I believe is 4-degrees BTDC). I tried 10 to 18-degrees as recommended by Langdon, but my engine did not run as well. My testing thus far has been at idle and slow speeds down the street. I'm not fully road legal yet.