Timing?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Worcester
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Firebird T/A
Engine: 406sbc
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Timing?
I was told by a buddy yesterday my cam and crank should both be set with their marks on the gears at the 12 o clock position. I thought it was supposed to be 6 o clock for the cam and 12 for the crank. The engine is a 406sbc 509 block. Can someone just let me know who is right, I dont want to ruin my new topend by some misinformation.
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 26,119
Received 1,688 Likes
on
1,283 Posts
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Timing?
Either way works.
It's easier, though, to do it "dot to dot", with the crank dot at 12:00 and the cam dot at 6:00. Not for any technical reason; only, because it's easier to see and be certain that it's lined up perfectly.
That position, however is NOT #1 firing; it's the OTHER instance of #1 TDC during a complete engine cycle, namely, the end of the #1 exhaust stroke and beginning of #1 intake stroke. It is also #6 firing.
If you assemble it that way, then turn the crank exactly one revolution, you will observe that #1 is AGAIN at TDC; the dots are both at 12:00; and it's now #1 firing, and #6 exh-int crossing.
So, both are "right"; one is just easier to not make a mistake on, because it's more obvious if it's a tooth off or something.
Doesn't matter what block it is.
It's easier, though, to do it "dot to dot", with the crank dot at 12:00 and the cam dot at 6:00. Not for any technical reason; only, because it's easier to see and be certain that it's lined up perfectly.
That position, however is NOT #1 firing; it's the OTHER instance of #1 TDC during a complete engine cycle, namely, the end of the #1 exhaust stroke and beginning of #1 intake stroke. It is also #6 firing.
If you assemble it that way, then turn the crank exactly one revolution, you will observe that #1 is AGAIN at TDC; the dots are both at 12:00; and it's now #1 firing, and #6 exh-int crossing.
So, both are "right"; one is just easier to not make a mistake on, because it's more obvious if it's a tooth off or something.
Doesn't matter what block it is.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Worcester
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Firebird T/A
Engine: 406sbc
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: Timing?
So I can just put my cam in, match up the dots and be done with it? When I put in the distributor in I should line up the rotor and have it pointing towards cylinder#1 or 6?
#4
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 26,119
Received 1,688 Likes
on
1,283 Posts
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Timing?
If the dots are together, it's #6 firing, so point the rotor at #6.
If the dots are both at 12:00, it's #1 firing.
If the dots are both at 12:00, it's #1 firing.
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Worcester
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Firebird T/A
Engine: 406sbc
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: Timing?
No wonder why my car was mis-firing before. I had the dots pointing together and set the dist. at the #1 rotor. That explains it! Thanks for the help, I know just about everything else on a car I just hate timing and electronics.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post