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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Phoenix,AZ
Posts: 50
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Timing chain confusion.
Ok I've read a couple of threads on here about swapping timing chains and... I'm thoroughly confused. Maybe I'm just not getting it, but are my timing marks supposed to be at the 12 and 12 position(s) OR are they supposed to be Cam mark at 6 o'clock and crank at 12 o'clock? I have found my TDC (compression stroke) and my "timing mark" and rotor are both off... And not equally. Also for a stock 350 should I get a Cloyes #C3001K or a #C3023K (or X)? I really don't want to spend hours grinding on the block. 3rd and 4th questions, suggestions on harmonic balancer (one of my current issues is because the rubber ring has deteriorated and the balancer moved) and or water pump (might as well do it while it is off already)? All I'm finding near me are Dorman parts with different sellers part #s.
Btw stock 71 350, no mods, picture is of what was supposed to be TDC... But definitely is not😩 As a side note should I re-align my distributor while I'm at this (provided it is still "off" after doing the timing set? |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Chehalis, WA
Posts: 7
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Re: Timing chain confusion.
Cam at 6, crank at 12. This will leave the engine at TDC compression #6...so remember to set to 8-12 BTDC compression #1 before dropping the distributor in. Most common reason for new engines not starting.
The C3001K is fine for a stock replacement. Double roller cams are engines making over 1 HP/CID at the wheels. Shouldn't have to grind on anything. I am a fan of putting on bolt retainers, but honestly it's not really needed. Just cheap insurance for engines that are probably going to be running for a long time. You don't need a cam button. The Dorman stuff is fine for a stock engine. The 594-012 one is fine - the "S" for the street version just means it has some high performance features like scribed on degree marks. Water pump is kinda up to you as a 'while I'm in there' thing... I don't know what "re-align" means, but yes - you want to verify TDC with a piston stop, make sure the mark on the balancer and your timing tab are right, and then set the timing |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,608
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Re: Timing chain confusion.
Put cam at 6 and crank at 12. That’s #6 tdc compression. Rotate crank once and you’ll have #1tdc compression.
Designed that way. Easier for the engine guy to line up two dots right close togethor than try to eyeball two dots a long ways apart. Less chance of error. If I see your timing tab/balancer mark correctly then your marks are only 4 degrees off. |
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#4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Phoenix,AZ
Posts: 50
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![]() Quote:
Something I just realized and need to check in the morning... I believe if I turn the crank by hand clockwise (while standing in front of the truck) the distributor rotor turns counter clock wise if you are looking top-down at it... Isn't that an Oldsmobile "thing"? Could that be my "runs like poop" reason? Because I could tell after taking off the cap and rotor that the distributor itself was no name and shiny chrome inside ( the body, weights for the VA and springs) except for the GM icm and coil... Maybe I'm remembering wrong too... I do need sleep. Last edited by Kalums; Today at 02:06 AM. |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Phoenix,AZ
Posts: 50
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Re: Timing chain confusion.
Quote:
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 3,076
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Re: Timing chain confusion.
Line up the old cam and crank gears and forget the balancer. Then install the new gears and chain.
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