1968 302V8 K code

[troutmalt]

I am trying to set the timing with a timing light
I have a Pertronics electric advance module in the distributor and no vacuum connection.

The 'flywheel' has a white line on it that seems to correspond to the pointer on the engine

Is that mark TD or a stock setting of ??? 6 degrees or 12 - 14 degrees?
Is that mark TD or a stock setting of ??? 6 degrees or 12 - 14 degrees?

Is that mark TD or a stock setting of ??? 6 degrees or 12 - 14 degrees?
I have a Pertronics electric advance in the distributor and no vacuum connection.

Recommended static advance setting?

I wish I had a numbered taped on the 'flywheel' - then i could check for what really matters - the 36 degrees at full advance

[miker98038]

Is it on the “flywheel” at the back of the engine, or the harmonic balancer on the front? Some older engines timed off the flywheel, but most modern ones time off the balancer in front. Beyond that, I can’t answer for a sbf newer than 64. I’m a y block guy.

[5851a]

The TDC line is 0 should have more marks after. 3 6 9 12 degrees.

[troutmalt]

Thanks Mike - by flywheel I should have typed harmonic balancer.

And thanks 5851A. but I have a question still. Confirming that the line I see flashing on the harmonic balancer (not flywheel) is TDC ??
I cant see the 3, 6,, 9 , 12 anywhere but shouldn't those number flash on before TDC - not after would show the spark retarded?

[5851a]

The timing should be set before tdc, the marks on stationary balancer look like clockwise forward of TDC, but with timing light they show up first at pointer. Marks can be hard to see. When we were young and stupid or lucky, we just crawled under and held a wire brush to dampener with engine running until the marks showed up. 10-degree btdc was what I would start at on a gas engine without manufacture's numbers no matter the brand and adjust from that point. Just what I have done in the past.

[jayvee34]

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Originally Posted by 5851a

The timing should be set before tdc, the marks on stationary balancer look like clockwise forward of TDC, but with timing light they show up first at pointer. Marks can be hard to see. When we were young and stupid or lucky, we just crawled under and held a wire brush to dampener with engine running until the marks showed up. 10-degree btdc was what I would start at on a gas engine without manufacture's numbers no matter the brand and adjust from that point. Just what I have done in the past.

Ditto above quote. On my 68 cougar I have a H.E.I. distributor and set it a 10
degree before TDC. worked perfect for me. I also have an adjustable timing
light. Set the adjustment to 10 degree BTDC and the flashing strobe shows
the white TDC line on the balancer. Just make sure that the TDC line is at the
the top dead center of the #1 piston.
Hope this info is helpful

[scicala]

I agree too. The manufacturer's specs are usually less than 10 degrees BTDC.
I think most run better with 10 degrees base timing.

Sal

[cadillac512]

The marks on those dampers are VERY hard to see. Sandpaper the damper rim and you'll see them and can then highlight the numbers you want with a white or yellow marker. That will fix the problem.

[Ole Don]

Time the engine with a vacuum gauge. That will time that engine, compression, cam, intake and exhaust, not a book average. Your engine may surprise you when its done right. At hot idle, advance dizzy to max vacuum, then back off about 1/2 inch of vacuum and lock it down. Test drive, and lug it to see if it pings. If no ping, you are done. If it pings, try better gas. If it still pings, set it back about two more degrees.