Timing

[Shane22696]

Hey guys, I really need your help. My truck just will not time right. The timing tab isn't the right one for the balancer that came on it, so I'm having to time it by ear and with a vac. gauge. The thing is, if I advance it enough to get it to run right, it's too advanced to start correctly. It keeps bumping back until it finally fires off. Also, when I drive it now, if it's under a load like going up a hill and I give it too much gas, it makes almost a grinding noise and loses power. I've adjusted mixture needles on the carb. with a vac. gauge so I know that's right, but this timing issue is killing me. I'm having to run it so retarted that it's barely pulling 16 hgs at an idle (750 rpm). I don't have a radical cam or anything, just summit's part # 1101. It's a 305 with an Accel Billet Dist.

[UPNADM]

Had a similar problem in the past. Got the engine warm, got a friend to put the truck in gear, foot on gas, foot on brake and put the engine under load.

Advanced it, retarded it until I had a good feel in the middle. Locked it down and went from there. Worked out alright.

Hate to ask, but the wiring is right?

[Shane22696]

Yeah the wiring is right. Everything is brand new, all new 8mm wires and billet looms, everything is done right. I guess I just need to order a side mount timing tab and go from there.

[faribran]

no need for another timing tab.. just do what UPNADM suggested. that should put you VERY close.

[86 K-10]

verify the dizzy was installed with #1 at tdc then get a timing tab for a 6" balancer and set the timing the right way.

[bilfman]

I always time like upnadm said, 2 peeps, brake torque, find the sweet spot. This is typically a wee too much advance. Best way to test is drive until its hot, turn it off, if it cranks tough the you are too far advanced. Just retard it bit by bit until it turns over easy hot.

This method is the best way to time in my opinion, every engine is different and each like different things depending on components. I have done it this way for high hp muscle cars, extreme 4x4's and daily drivers. 25+ years and always works like a champ.

If this doesnt work for you I think you have other problems, such as siezed weights, bad springs, carb etc etc

[Dsquared]

if it's a 305 with a305 balancer,most likely the timing tab would have been in the middle of the timing cover, you would have to look between the water pump and the cover to see the marks.if you could get a measurement off of a 305 cover, and put a mark on your cover,line the timing mark on the balancer up to the mark on your cover then attach an aftermarket tab on the cover and make a new mark on the balancer at the zero mark on the tab. that may help you to get it real close

[Shane22696]

Actually I think I just figured out the problem. When we were putting it together we didn't realize it was an 8 inch balancer so we set the dizzy at #1 about 35 degrees before tdc. So I need to get it to tdc and re-install the dizzy before I do anything. I have a couple other 305 balancers that should be right, so I'll swap it out and the reset the dizzy, and then time it the right way with a light. Sounds right?

[Dsquared]

yes, the timing marks are different between the two in relation to the crank keyway.

[86 K-10]

Originally Posted by Shane22696

Actually I think I just figured out the problem. When we were putting it together we didn't realize it was an 8 inch balancer so we set the dizzy at #1 about 35 degrees before tdc. So I need to get it to tdc and re-install the dizzy before I do anything. I have a couple other 305 balancers that should be right, so I'll swap it out and the reset the dizzy, and then time it the right way with a light. Sounds right?

yes, #1 needs to be at TDC when you install the dizzy. whichever balancer you run, i would use a piston stop to verify the mark beforehand

dont quote me here, but i'm pretty sure you can run an 8" balancer just fine...plus you'll be able to use one of those timing tabs from the parts store.

[Shane22696]

Yeah, that's what I was trying to decide. Whether to stick a 6 inch balancer on it or just get a chrome timing tab.