The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Timing issue

Just went to adjust the valves on my 59 with a 235 and much to my dismay there is no ballbearing on the flywheel.after hours of looking I noticed a small triangle stamped into the flywheel. Is this the timing mark?

Get some acetone on a rag and do more cleaning on the flywheel. You should be able to find the bb once you get it cleaned up more.

There must be a ball, it is close to the triangle. The triangle is for checking cam timing.

ive found the simplest to do this is to remove flywheel dust cover to expose the bottom of the flywheel. clean/rotate, clean/rotate until you go all the way around. you'll see the mark. what i do after that is to paint the U/C white and polish the ball up nice and shiney. might as well, that way some time down the road when you revisit this (and you will) it will be still easy to see and find.

ok i'll look some more thanks guys , will report back

Is there a mark and ball bearing on all years ? I have a 54 3100.
Thanks

You don't need to see the timing ball to adjust valves, but it's good to have it well-visible for setting ignition timing. By watching the movement of the rocker arms, you can determine which cylinders' valves are ready to adjust. I use a method called "companion cylinder" valve adjustment, where I watch the rocker arm motion on one cylinder, and adjust the valve clearance on another one that's at the top of the stroke at the same time. I'll see if I can find one of the threads where I've detailed the procedure, and post a link to it.
Jerry

Edit: Check out this thread:
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=661274

I just noticed that thread covered adjusting hydraulic lifters. If you've got a solid-lifter engine, do the "rocking" thing the same way, but use a feeler gauge to set valve lash instead of the "zero clearance plus 3/4 turn" procedure. If you're doing a rough adjustment on a cold engine, set the valve clearance about .002" wider than specification, run it to normal operating temperature, and re-check the clearance after it's warmed up.
Jerry

I am not sure when it started, but I am working on a 1936 right now and it has one, so at least 1936-62 has a timing ball.

ah ha found it don't know how i missed it , eyes aren't what the used to be. I had to take the flywheel cover off and there it was in between two hash marks and right after a triangle. Adjusted the valves sounds sooo much better also found in the process the pickup tube to oil the roker arm assembly was broken and no oil getting to the valve train, little silver soldering and presto good as new
thanks guys

now to tackle my temp sending unit problem, guage will go all the way to hot after a few minutes , but I know the water in the engine is not that hot. I have no idea what temp thermostat is in it maybe too hot , I'll pull it and see if tht helps

A 59 will have an electric gauge.
You might try changing the sender.