Timing Tab - Stock CCC 305

[ed1948]

I had a difficult time finding the tab trying to peer past the A/C and emission equipment.
I can't tell where the reference TDC cut out is. My tab has the tube and a 3 notch(visible) tab. I can't read any numbers. My 'flash' is at the 2nd notch before TDC. How is the timing?

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

First notch is 0 degrees, second notch is 6 degrees BTDC which is the stock setting. Third notch is 10 degrees BTDC which is more power.

 

[ed1948]

Thank you!.

 

[ed1948]

Here is a clear pic of the timing tab - numbers missing. Even the paint I applied and then wiped reveal no digits or lines.

Looking at the spacing the middle notch is more than 1/2 way and that would correspond to 6.
It all makes sense now.

 

[axisg]

and it scares me every time ! With the SS nose I need to get up on a milk crate and lean over the fan and shroud to shine the timing light straight down behind the water pump to see what's going on. All the while the fan is spinning inches away. Then dialing in the "all in" timing I do it with the motor revving at 2500 rpms while I reach over the motor to move the distributor to get the timing right. The older I get the stronger the visions of losing a couple digits are.

 

[pontiacgp]

You'll need to clean the balancer to find to mark and then highlight it with a paint pen or chalk

 

[ed1948]

Thanks...so that's what the numbers look like! I guess the oil leak prevented the tab from rusting. Is it just me or does it look like the tabs were handmade using a triangle file? I'll need to check the timing again - I may be at 12 * BTDC: > half tank of last years gas mixed with a fresh batch = ping city

I was bitten once by turning the distributor with the engine running. My hand flew back so hard it hit the hinge. This was when I was playing with the mechanical advance on my S10 swap. Ahh, the good old days before computers tuned engines.

 

[ratbuddy]

and it scares me every time ! With the SS nose I need to get up on a milk crate and lean over the fan and shroud to shine the timing light straight down behind the water pump to see what's going on. All the while the fan is spinning inches away. Then dialing in the "all in" timing I do it with the motor revving at 2500 rpms while I reach over the motor to move the distributor to get the timing right. The older I get the stronger the visions of losing a couple digits are.

I had similar concerns, so I grabbed this thing https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013I2BZ7S/?tag=gbody-20 and taped it in place just inside the hole in the timing cover, before starting the car. I didn't record my later (much more successful) use, but my first try is here

Once you figure out where to hang the wire and tape it, it works good, I think I used the upper radiator hose and painters tape.