Hung Like a Stang

So I'm trying to time my car right, and I'm rather confused. I havn't messed w/ fords in a few years, is it possible to put a harmonic balance on wrong so that the timing marker would be incorrect? (just for the record, I didn't put it on) Reason I ask is because according to the marker, w/ a timing light and spout out, it runs great at 21 and could be advanced further, and there's no way it could go down to stock timing of 10 because it hardly idles at 12. Here's what I have, a 306 w/ forged internals, headers, o/r h-pipe w/ dumps. e cam. What is goin on, and where should I try to be at?

91hatchgt

For starters, did you disconnect the spout connector at the dizzy?

Hung Like a Stang

ha ha, yeah, re-read my post. I explained it all. Thanks in advance guys

Sprayin86

maybe the distributor is a tooth off. i run mine at about 20 with the spout out but thats on 110 gas.

Hung Like a Stang

So there's no way for the balance to be put on wrong to make the timing seem incorrect?

preciousroy

is the balancer original? ive seen old balancers that have the rubber worn out and it will show completely wrong timing. you do have the timing light on the number 1 plug wire, right?

91hatchgt

No there is only one way to put on a balancer, there are notched in the steel as to where it slides on which holds it in place. If the rubber bushing is coming apart, or being pushed out, then it could read wrong I guess, but if that's the case, you must replace it immediately. You can usually physically see the rubber being pushed out of the side of the balancer.

Hung Like a Stang

I would guess balancer is orginal, and yes its on number one wire. You go counter clockwise w/ the distributor to advance right? I tried messing with it today, and It's wayyyy off the timing guage. But its idling at around 1000 I'm so confused w/ this.

FiveLiterRiceEater

put the car on top dead center by hand and re mark the harmonic balancer then time it from there.

Hung Like a Stang

damn good idea, I can't believe I didn't think of that. I guess I'll do that for now, But what the hell is wrong with the balance or distributor, any other ideas?