Initial timing on SIX

[threeonthetree]

I'm trying to set my timing on my inline 230 six.
I'm having lots of trouble getting this motor to run right

I need to know how to set the initial timing on the motor.

I've been going by the book and setting off the damper dorsal TDC. Then lining the number one plug up wire, with the rotor on the distributer, where it landed based on TDC. then setting my valves based on the distributor.

we've done it several ways and cant get the motor to run right
or start at all now that we've been messing with it. we had it running but it was very rough. I'm about ready to take it all off and start form scratch.

here is my build thread.
the last few pages are about this motor.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...355750&page=17


thank you for your time.

[Shaky]

You're sure the distributor is in right?

If it is, you might want to take a close look at the balancer. I had a 292 where the outer ring of the balancer rotated relative to the inner part that's attached to the crank. The fact that I couldn't come close to timing the engine clued me in.

I had a buddy who was a mechanic and he always told me to keep lubricants and de-greasers away from the balancer since the rubber is the only thing holding the inner ring to the outer ring.

This may not be your problem, but you're gonna want to eliminate it as a possibility.

[Zeke's Garage]

I'm at the point that when working on older stuff that I just don't trust the balancer/pointer setup on anything.
So the best way to go is to manually find TDC by pulling the #1 spark plug and rotating the engine by hand, or bumping it with a remote starter button. Stick your finger just over the plug hole and bump the engine over 1/4 rotation at a time. When the pressure of the piston coming to the top pushes your finger off the plug hole, you know you are on or very near TDC.
Watch the valves while doing this, and once you see the intake close, you're almost at it.

Now you can check your damper and see if it's anywhere close. At this point you're close enough to set your distributor, and it should fire. If you can get it to run, but its rough, check your plugs, wires, rotor and cap, and points.

Hope this helps

[threeonthetree]

i have the firing order right on the dizzy.
153624

the only problem with setting it by hand sticking my finger over the plugs whole then checking the valves is that i had the head off and all my valves are messed up since you tune the valves based on the dizzy.

harmonic balancer may have slipped also i haven't really looked at that.

could the timing gear be junk also??

The point being. I have to find TDC on the first piston on the compression stroke.
And your saying the harmonic balancer is lying or could be wrong.

ill give the thumb trick a try. I'm headed out there now.

thanks for the help tho guys!
anymore is appreciated. this is bothering me.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

As you turn the engine over when #6 ex valve closes & the int. starts to open that point where they overlap is when #1 is fireing. Your marks should be real close at this point. You can adjust the valves on #1 cyl. then. Turn the engine a little further & you will see number 2 valves overlapping. You can adjust the valves on #5 them. ETC. down the line. If the initial timing is close & the wires are all in the right order it should run good enough to set the final timing. Have you looked at your plugs. From all this working on it they may be carboned up & not fireing. You may have to clean them if they are black with soot. Are your points set good & the dist shaft not bent?

[threeonthetree]

thanks for the good info on tuning the valves


Ive been screwing with this thing all day. and where still not gettting it to fire.
it will back fire out the carb.. and the exhaust but not everytime just every so offend. really loud to! like a gun shot.

we've se the timing a few diffrent ways and evey time it comes close to the last spot for number one. with in a few deggrees. but the engine doesnt seem to fire.

we know we have fuel and spark..

how noticable should the compression stroke be when you put your finger over the plug whole. cause i cant feel much... nor was i able to set it as described.

but the motor was running the other day..
idk what is wrong
i honestly dont know what to do.....
i need some help

[threeonthetree]

this is driving me nuts... anybody?>??