Setting timing?

[pats10350]

I need to set my timing for the first time. It's a stock 350 strait out of a 79 caprice. There's supposed to be a tab indicator on or near the balancer, or a marking on the balancer. I don't see anything. No markings or tab anywhere. Of course it's painted Chevy orange. I'm thinking maybe I can remove the paint. If I can't obtain any indication on the balancer what is another way to set my timing? At least in the ballpark.

[adh383]

Has distributor been removed?

[pats10350]

No I haven't removed the distributor. I had problems starting my truck. The bolt that hold the distributor in placed had worked itself loose overtime. So I have played with distributor a bit.

[adh383]

There is a machined line on the damper--mark it with some white paint--and should have a tab on the timing chain cover--mark the 0 line with white paint-- or you can play till you get it started and set timing till it runs the best.

[SassyV8]

are you talking about the tab or the mark on the balancer?If your talking about the tab with the #'s might be straight down in the middle of the w/p .

[manyfire]

if it is stock it should be under the power steering pump on the right side of the motor, the timing scale, if you dont have one on there go to the autoparts store and buy a aftemarket one, it will only fit in one place. top right of the timing cover, the balancer will have two lines on it, go ahead and mark both, only one will show up in the light, set your idle timing at 10-12 advance at about 600 rpm's. that is how I set up my idle timing.

[cdking3055]

you can pull #1 spark plug insert a dowel or straight rod that will not splinter or break off. roll engine by hand untill its at tdc. mark #1 spark plug wire position on cap down to distributor. remove cap and see where rotor is pointing. loosen bolt and move towards mark. that will get you close. you can then advance or retard distributor depending onhow it starts and how it runs. not real fancy but it works 4 me.