Timing info on 67 250 L6

[Matt67C10]

Does anybody know where the timing should be on a 67 250 L6? I still haven't been successful in getting it to run and it's my next thing to check. Info on the underside of the hood is long gone, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Also, how does one check/adjust the timing if the engine is not running? (I'm showing my level of inexperience here, I've only ever used a light on an engine that was running) Thanks.
Matt

[68haywagon]

What I would do if you think it's outta time is pull out the #1 spark plug turn the engine until reach the compression stroke on that cylinder, line up the timing marks on the crank with the timing tab to 0. This should be TDC on compression stroke. Line up the rotor on the dizzy to the #1 spot on the cap. This should should be able to get you running to check the timing. Remember to set your points too. I hated doing that so I switched to an HEI .

EDIT: I think the correct timing is 4 BTDC? Sound right to anyone else?

Good luck.

Mike

[68haywagon]

Also where is Slatington, PA?

[VetteVet]

My Haynes manual says 4 degrees before top dead center. I use this method when I set the points and timing without the engine running.
1. Turn the engine over until the points cam is centered on the distributer lobe.
2. Use a .019 feeler guage to set the points gap.
3. Rotate the crankshaft until you have 4 degrees before top dead center.
4. Loosen the distributor and rotate it very slowly until the points just start to open.
5. You can use a test light or a multi-meter to determine this.
6. Tighten the distributor and then fire up the engine.

You can check to see if the ignition coil is firing by running a hot lead from the battery positive post to the positive terminal on the coil and then use a screwdriver to open the points while holding the coil wire near a good ground about a 1/4 inch away. When the points open you should get a spark between the coil wire and the ground.
The key doesn't have to be on for this check and if you get a spark this way and not with the key on it means you have a wiring problem in the ignition circuit.
All this assumes you have not converted to HEI ignition.
Hope this helps

[Matt67C10]

Thanks, guys. I'll try that tonight. I'll be out of comission for a few days, minor surgery. Haywagon, Slatington is about 15 minutes north of Allentown, halfway between Allentown and Lehighton. I'm out in the middle of nowhere, not far from the Turnpike tunnel.
Check out:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=161066

[70 shorty]

to get TDC on the compression stroke, like 68 Haywagon said, what I usually do is wad up a paper towel in the #1 spark plug hole and turn the engine over by hand until it pops the paper towel out. then line up the damper to 0, that should put you TDC on compression stroke. the drop teh distributor in with the rotor pointing to the #1 cyliner.