I tried to reset my timing the other day and when i looked at the timing marker too see what it was i could not even see the timing marker on the harmonic balancer.
The car starts easy revs nice does not sound like it is missing while the car is standing still idling.Then when you drive the car it feels like it is missing when you give it a bit of gas but it is still driveable.
Could the dizzy be 180 degrees out?
any suggestions or comments on what it could be.
Thanks in advance



Jeff

 

It would'nt idle if it's 180 degree off. Believe me, we've all been there, done that. You might check your plugs, or wires. It's very common for a fouled plug or dieing wire to idle good, but under load it misses while driving.


Ron

 

Put some white out on the timing mark

 

Shoot some engine cleaner on it first though


Ron

 

sorry guys
The harmonic is clean and i can see the mark on there but when i check the timing the mark on the harmonic can't be seen.
I mean when the timing light fires the mark on the harmonic is down at the bottom.Is the harmonic a 1 or 2 peice could it have slipped or something.
I hope this all makes sense.
Thanks .


Jeff

 

the balncer is ,i believe , at least 2 pieces.separated by a rubber ring...But if it came apart, you would know it. It would be trying to come through your timing chain cover. I agree with Ron, sounds like an ignition Problem to me also. T his one is kinda Strange, I think i'll leave this one to the " THIRD GEN. WIZARDS".
Let us know what you come up with.

 

Did you disconnect the tan/black EST wire before checking the timing?

 

 

Yep disconnected the EST then tried to set timing then i had the problem that i stated.
Hope i don't have to but i might have to take it to the mechanic.
I will try a few things first and see what happens.
Thanks for the reply's



Jeff

 

If you want to stand on your head behind the radiator (or use a mirror), you can do a quick check of the timing mark on the balancer. The timing groove in the balancer outer ring should be advanced about 7° from the keyway in the crank on most SBCs I've worked with. If yours is noticably off alignment with the crankshaft keyway, the outer ring has probably slipped. It's not uncommon.

 

The mark is way off,what problems could this have caused and should it be making any weird noises.
Looks like i've got a job to do on the weekend.
Thanks again.


Jeff

 

After the outer ring slips for a while, the rubber wears out and eventually you have metal to metal contact. That makes a nasty sound and coats the eng with little metal shavings.
I was working on a truck (a few years back) that had a balancer self destructing. Had to remove a skip-pan to get at it. When the air from the air ratchet went inside the skid-pan, it swirled around and came back out with tons of metal shavings,, right into my eyes.

Yours' hasn't gotten that bad,, yet..

What causes it?
Probably the rubber getting old and shrinking.

 

Thanks guys
I think i will change the balancer before anything happens.


Jeff

 

make sure you use a installer / remover......borrow one from Autozone...At least use a hardened bolt and washers to put it back on..put a little lube on the seal to help it back on...I believe 60lbs of torque is what you want.....USE THE INSTALLER...or you risk breaking the bolt off in the crank...good luck

Do they have Autozone Down Under?

 

We don,t have autozone but we do have auto one and autopro maybe in some way they are linked i'm not sure,but there is no auto parts store that will lend tools.
Sometimes i wish there was though(when you need that tool you will only use once).
Thanks




Jeff.

 

The pullers aren't too expensive.
I bought a "middle of the road one" a few years back. k-D Tools I think.
Costs like $25 or so. I've used it a few times. Mainly for timing chain replacements.

Sydney is a big city. (been there a few times)
Maybe you could start a car tool rental business there!!