I can't be that retarted.....can I?
 

So I am just trying to time my 78 350/350. I started it up, hooked up a timing light, shone it all over the engine bay and I can't find any Goddamn timing marks. Before I bought the truck the engine was factory rebuilt w/reciepts. I've built plenty of engines & I know how to time the damn things but there just aren't any damn timing marks ANYWHERE! the balancer and everything is just smooth, and no pointer either. WHAT THE HELL!

Re: I can't be that retarted.....can I?
 

I would say the person that built the engine is the retard not you!

There's two things you can do.

1 Leave it alone unless it's just running to bad.

2 Buy a balancer that has a timing mark on it and a pointer and install them.

I would go with option 2.

Re: I can't be that retarted.....can I?
 

It is common for the harmonic ballencer to have spun. Turn engine till its TDC. If the mark is not at 0 degree, replace the damper.

Re: I can't be that retarted.....can I?
 

You can buy a timing tape to stick onto the balancer if it does not have any marks, along with a pointer. But if it has spun, you should replace it.

Re: I can't be that retarted.....can I?
 

Sounds like the guy who rebuild the motor is the retard not you. I would go buy a balancer that has a timing mark on it and a pointer and install them yourself. Should be good to go after that.

Re: I can't be that retarted.....can I?
 

of course ive seen motors where the balancer has rust and all or been overpainted on it and you need to really lightly sand the balancer to find the marks ive often used whiteout on the mark so its easier to find with the timing light. Its possible that the pointer wasnt put on or rotted off, but if thats the case you still have a problem. My advice is to determine if the balancer spun like others suggested and if not then to really inspect the balancer to see if the numbers are not there or if they are just playing hide and go seek

Re: I can't be that retarted.....can I?
 

Some timing covers don't have a pointer, but a small tube welded on at @ 1:00......you have to point your light down from above, behind the waterpump.......