Timing of '69 427CI

[Gene T.]

A fellow Corvette friend of mine for approx 30 yrs has a problem observing the timing tab on his 427 CI with factory air and pwr steering. Any recommendations ?

[Mark E.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

There's a lot of stuff in the way, but it's doable. Clearly mark the line on the balancer, use a bright timing light and move in close while being mindful of the fan and belts.

[John P.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

Hello Gene, I have tuned up a friends 1969 427 with AC and found it convenient to remove the belts to time the engine. This prevents any damage to the light enabling you to get the light closer to the balancer and timing tab. You can do this when the engine is cool and running the engine for the short time to set the timing will not create a problem. You may want to install new belts at the same time as preventative maintenance. John

[Tom L.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

My LS5 with the same accessories is a bear to time. While removing the belts is surely not a bad idea I think that the fan is by far the greatest source of danger. Be careful!

And of course, wearing a tie is probably a bad idea Stay safe!

[Terry M.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

My LS5 with the same accessories is a bear to time. While removing the belts is surely not a bad idea I think that the fan is by far the greatest source of danger. Be careful!

And of course, wearing a tie is probably a bad idea Stay safe!

Back in "the old days" we were taught to roll up our sleeves, or better yet short sleeve shirt - no watch or rings around moving machinery. I won't tell you all the grief I got for my long hair around moving machinery. There was a series of "safety films" that showed gruesome photos of the results of failing to follow those rules. I can still see those images in my mind, even fifty years on. I guess they had some effect, even if not the intended ones.

No more shop classes have put an end to almost all those cautions, but they are worth mentioning once in a while here. Use jack stands and not a hydraulic jack as well. My brother just barely survived one of those incidents.

[Gene T.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

Thank you Tom, John and Terry for your recommendations. I will pass these along to him !

[David H.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

A fellow Corvette friend of mine for approx 30 yrs has a problem observing the timing tab on his 427 CI with factory air and pwr steering. Any recommendations ?

Gene

Affix a new timing tab (index) somewhere easily visible. Using original balancer mark and original timing tab, set engine to TDC on #1. Mark a new TDC line on balancer relative to your new (now easily seen) timing tab/index. Then use a "dial back" timing light to set timing.

Dave

[Ed H.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

Terry what magic did you come up with to keep that beautiful beard out of the frey

[Terry M.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

Terry what magic did you come up with to keep that beautiful beard out of the frey

When I used to work around machinery the beard was much shorter, however I am able to tuck it into my shirt to protect it when prudent.

[Ed H.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

See you in Lackland we can share a cold one at the airport

[Mark F.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

When I used to work around machinery the beard was much shorter, however I am able to tuck it into my shirt to protect it when prudent.

I sense Terry has seen some of the same photos I have of maimed, or severely injured people from failure to RESPECT UNGUARDED ROTATING EQUIPMENT (translate to lots of the stuff in our engine compartments).

If OSHA regulations were applicable to the pubic for the safety hazards our engine compartments have, we'd be in DEEP trouble...

Rotating parts can catch hair, loose pieces of clothing, or a body part like a finger, resulting in amputations or worse when pulled into an "energized rotating device". Rotating parts in our hobby include driving shafts (wherever they are), pulleys, belts, fan blades, wheels, revolving drums and the projecting ends of a rotating shaft...

At higher RPMs, wear safety glasses or a comfortable full face shield (my preference) - and be aware of where your BODY PARTS are when you're divin' in there

You only get one set of eyes, fingers and hands - take care of 'em and don't lose 'em

[Ed H.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

Mark, I agree with all your wise comments. However,what do you recommend would prevent small ruptures of one's knuckles, causing excessive bleeding in the engine compartment, when attempting the replacement of one's spark plugs in a small block.

[Mark F.]

Re: Timing of '69 427CI

Mark, I agree with all your wise comments. However, what do you recommend would prevent small ruptures of one's knuckles, causing excessive bleeding in the engine compartment, when attempting the replacement of one's spark plugs in a small block.

Hi Ed,

Yeah, some jobs just don't lend themselves to "uninjured participants"
and sometimes wearing any kind of glove is an annoyance with loss of dexterity...

When I did a few jobs in various glass plants (PPG and Ford) certain operations used "chainmail" gloves to prevent cuts (fresh-cut, unbuffed glass edges are like a razor!). I guess food preparers, butchering operations, and knife sharpening and cleaning also use them.

Nowadays, Kevlar and other super strong and flexible glove materials far exceed what was available back in my day...