Ok so im adjusting the valves in my 79' 350 and i turned to harmonic balancer so that the timing mark would be on top. My problem is that the first piston is no where near top dead center. This is really frustrating me because i dont know what could cause this problem. Any advice helps

THanks
Wes

 

You turn the engine (not recommended to turn the harmonic balancer bolt) until the timing mark is at zero degrees. This will be top dead center. While doing this, you need to have your finger in the plug hole for the #1 cylinder (driver side closest to radiator) - you are feeling with your fingertip for air pressure to build. If pressure builds as you are turning, then that's TDC on the compression stroke (building pressure means that the exhaust valve is closed thus the air can't escape). If no pressure, then you are at TDC on the exhaust stroke (exhaust valves are open so air escapes out the exhaust ports - no presssure), and so you need to turn it another revolution to reach TDC on compression stroke. Hard to do without a helper to turn while you check for pressure.