On my rebuild ,I used a different damper from a similar engine but was told the timing marks may differ on the timing cover. As I stand facing the engine the timing mark will come to the left edge of the timing marker and any closer,it won't stay running. I was told to plug the vacuum advance and carb port which helps,but still can't set timing. Is there a way to time it without using the indicator? It starts good,idles pretty good and I can drive it ,but really not much power.

 

You'll need to find TDC with a piston stop that installs in place of the #1 spark plug. Do a search for procedures on how to do it.
If the dampener mark doesn't align with the timing cover tab/pointer either it's the wrong dampener, or it has slipped.
Until you decide what to do about it you can scribe a new mark on the dampener to align with the zero on the tab once you find TDC.

 

Brand new Dorman dampers are about $50 from most auto stores. You spend a couple thousand on a good engine rebuild, why not spend a few dollars more and not worry about that 25+ year old damper...

 

Well said,,,

 

That was so helpful,thank you. If I had known that it could cause issues I certainly would have spent the money.Your comment however, doesn't really help me now.

 

fast and easy way to do this.... well this way mya start a war on this forum but it does work and thats how I have done it many times on my hotrods when no timing marks are present... its not exact but will give you most power and will be close enough....

1. start car. let warm up.
2. turn dizzy slowly until you hear engine just start to sparknock. (PINGPING)
3. after sparkknock, turn dizzy other way slowly until knock just stops.
4.tighten dizzy.
5.set carb.....
6. haul @ss

 

Thank you,I will go try it (after the neighbors wake up) lol...It is a little loud. Before I try this I was wondering about keeping the car running long enough to hear the pinging.If I advance or retard to much the car dies.I have an XE268H cam and have been trying to time it but when I get close at all, it dies. Should there be a "lope" with this cam? Is my curb idle set too low before I start?

 

little lopy, try bumping up idle till timing right....