Just got the new engine in and having a little trouble getting it started. I turned the engine over to TDC on the balancer while watching the valves to make sure it was the compression stroke on number 1. Set the distributer to number 1 and nothing. As I turned the distributer counter-clockwise (advancing) it fired. Tuned it by ear real quick as we brought it up to 2500 rpm to break in the cam. Seemed to run fine but when I put the timing light on it the marks were about 180 degrees out. So, shut it down repeated bringing it up to TDC and setting the distributer and nothing. This is not the first engine I have put together but I have never encountered this. As far as my thinking takes me is you have to have distributer on #1 at the same time as TDC compression stroke #1, and I know the distributer is at #1 so the engine must not be at TDC when I think it is. Has anyone ever heard of aftermarket balancers have the timing marks placed incorrectly? If nothing else I am just going to have to pull the timing cover and go back through everything from the begining.

 

Well its not uncommon for a stock balancer to spin and move the mark but i havent heard of an aftermarket one that out.

Possibly your using the wrong balancer/timing tab combo?


Did you check to see if the piston is actually at TDC when the mark is there?

 

Yeah I think your right. After doing a little more reading and scratching my head that is what I think it is. I am just glad it is atleast capable of running. Get this last gremlin worked out and I will hopefully be good to go.