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I never could find the timing marks on my crank pulley due to years of paint and grime. But us old timers don't need a timing light anyway. But with the radiator out and a lot sanding there they were! My question is, according to specs timing should be set at 2 degrees, but which side of the DC mark? Standing at the front of the vehicle looking at the pulley do I make a paint line 2 degrees left of the DC line or to the right. My guess is to the left.

The standard recommendation for these engines is 4 degrees before top dead center. So, see which way the engine turns and mark the crank pulley before the d.c. line.

4 degrees before top dead center is the recommendation from Charles Talbert of M-Series Rebuild.

Ok, great. I agree. But with no batteries right now I'm not sure on which side of DC is BTDC. I think engine rotates clockwise. Does anyone know, standing in front of engine looking rearward, which side of TDC is BTDC ?

Yes the engine crank turns clockwise as viewed from the front. Forget the 2 degree AFTER info in the manual. Optimum timing is 4 degrees BEFORE TDC, so the proper setting is 4 degrees before the DC mark passes the pointer when rotating clockwise. That means you reference the 4 degree setting on the right side of the DC mark, and yes you need a timing light to get it right, old timer or not. Many issues play into a properly timed engine, loose timing chain because of chain and sprocket wear, camshaft and bushing wear, distributor wear, etc.

Thank you Charles ! I knew I could count on a professional to come thru ! Btw, going to be moving to South Carolina in a few months. Aiken to be exact. I'll have to swing by and say hello. Thanks again.

bill monahan wrote:Thank you Charles ! I knew I could count on a professional to come thru ! Btw, going to be moving to South Carolina in a few months. Aiken to be exact. I'll have to swing by and say hello. Thanks again.

Please do come by, happy to have you stop in.