I am running an aftermarket balancer and a March pulleys. there are no timing marks for me to set the engine to. is there some way i time the engine?

i just fired it up for the first time. i set the timing by ear so it would run smooth. i set the rpm to 2500 and it got really hot in about 3 min. i assume that the timing is too advanced.

I know i need a new radiator and will get ine asap.

 

if you have no marks,
there's one way of doing it. hook up a vacuum gauge to manifold and time at idle where you have highest vacuum.
This might end up advanced though.
I don't want to offend your ears, but generally that fails miserably.
another option is to listen how much the starter motor has to work.
retard until it goes freely (whopopopopowhp as oppposed to whop .... whop ...... whop ....)

the only proper way of doing it is finding TDC
For this remove #1 spark plug and turn engine manually to where you believe TDC is
you can see piston top through hole (maybe use a light)
then put in a wire that cannot fall in to feel the top of piston and rock the engine back and forth to find TDC

This might get you as accurate as 2 or 3 degrees
if you want it perfect, you'll have to use one of those (obviously never start the engine with this thing in it)
http://www.jegs.com/i/Comp%20Cams/249/4795/10002/-1
(make sure it's the right thread size)
with this you won't find TDC as in where is the top.
The way you want to use those is to block the piston on it's way up. make a mark on the balancer. Then pull this thingy out. turn over TDC and further. put it back in in same setting and turn the engine back. make new mark.
TDC will be right between those marks.
Hope that makes sense to you.
I usually use the wire method but you will need some practise doing this

You _will_ need a timing light where you can set the advance manually to time lets say 10 degrees.
If you don't have one, you will need to make a mark fur your timing.
tip: 10 degrees is a 36th of the harmonic balancers circumference ...


BTW: as for new radiator. make sure the radiator actually gets hot as well.
if your car is already hot after 3 minutes the problem might be the thermostat not opening

 

Kalli

thank you for the response. i think i am going to find another balancer. i dont see why the one i have wouldnt have marks.

i hate cheapo aftermarket stuff. i didnt buy it my engine builder did.

 

Hi MonsterB
you can actually buy timing marks to tape on from summit and jegs.
You just have to match the circumference (so that the degrees actually fit).
something like this:
http://www.jegs.com/i/MSD/121/8985/10002/-1