Question on timing chain gear alignment

[Jim D.]

Hello just want to be sure my gears are set right, I have always put dot to dot
( 12 o'clock small gear, 6 o'clock large gear) on the gears with dist. pointing to #1 plug at top dead center. It was running fine I just wanted to reseal some oil leaks and noticed the alignment of the gears. This a 66 327/350hp.

On this car BOTH gears are set at 12 o'clock with dist pointing to #1, just doesn't seem right to me, am I wrong ???

[Roy B.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

Hello just want to be sure my gears are set right, I have always put dot to dot
( 12 o'clock small gear, 6 o'clock large gear) on the gears with dist. pointing to #1 plug at top dead center. It was running fine I just wanted to reseal some oil leaks and noticed the alignment of the gears. This a 66 327/350hp.

On this car BOTH gears are set at 12 o'clock with dist pointing to #1, just doesn't seem right to me, am I wrong ???

Everything is OK your just on the down stroke.

[Jim D.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

Thank you kindly, just wanted to be sure. I'll seal her up and hopefully no more oil leaks.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

Hello just want to be sure my gears are set right, I have always put dot to dot
( 12 o'clock small gear, 6 o'clock large gear) on the gears with dist. pointing to #1 plug at top dead center. It was running fine I just wanted to reseal some oil leaks and noticed the alignment of the gears. This a 66 327/350hp.

On this car BOTH gears are set at 12 o'clock with dist pointing to #1, just doesn't seem right to me, am I wrong ???

that is TDC #6 with both gear marks facing each other at 12 and 6.

[Joe L.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

that is TDC #6 with both gear marks facing each other at 12 and 6.

clem-----

Yes, you'd be surprised how many folks this fools (including, once-upon-a-time, me). Folks SURMISE that when they install the timing sprockets at the set point (6:00 o'clock cam sprocket and 12:00 o'clock crank sprocket) that the engine is at the firing position of the #1 cylinder. As you mention, it's not.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

clem-----

Yes, you'd be surprised how many folks this fools (including, once-upon-a-time, me). Folks SURMISE that when they install the timing sprockets at the set point (6:00 o'clock cam sprocket and 12:00 o'clock crank sprocket) that the engine is at the firing position of the #1 cylinder. As you mention, it's not.

if they install the distributor in the # 1 position with out rotating the engine first they will have a problem getting it started.

[Jim D.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

Thanks now I know why I had such a hard time with a 71 that I put a timing chain on last year, it sounded like a war zone there were so many back fires. I feel really dumb, but now I know and wont make that mistake again.

[Joe L.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

if they install the distributor in the # 1 position with out rotating the engine first they will have a problem getting it started.

clem-----


Yes, PLUS if one adjusts the valves using the static procedure described in the service manual with the false assumption about engine position, one will never get the engine started even if they subsequently figure out the correct distributor installation.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

When you do check the gear alignment, use a long enough straight edge that checks the dimples in relation to the center of each gear (4 points). This is a specially good idea if the engine is still in the car. I have seen more than once where it appeared they were aligned and it turned out to be a tooth off. Even the best shop in SE Wisconsin in 1959 returned an engine to us a tooth off. Drove us nuts as that was the last thing we'd expect them to do.

Stu Fox

[Timothy B.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

Jim, Did you install a new wear sleeve on the harmonic balancer and replace the seal. Also be sure to put some non hardening sealer around the keyway as oil will work it's way there also and make it look like the seal is leaking. Don't ask me how I know this.

[Jim D.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

Jim, Did you install a new wear sleeve on the harmonic balancer and replace the seal. Also be sure to put some non hardening sealer around the keyway as oil will work it's way there also and make it look like the seal is leaking. Don't ask me how I know this.

Thanks Tim, I did order a sleeve & Seal. What kind of non-hardning sealer did you use ? I don't want to do this twice.

One more question to put H/balancer back on ? It does not have a threaded crank, so I assume that I should gently tap it back on with a hammer and piece of 2x4, have a better way ?

[Timothy B.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

Jim,
I would put a little non hardening permetex thread sealer in the keyway. I don't know of any other way to install the balancer just don't beat on it, use the wood and take it slow. Put some grease on the lip seal so it does not bend inward when installing the balancer.

I would install the oil pan last just in case you have any problems with the seal.

[Jim D.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

Jim,
I would put a little non hardening permetex thread sealer in the keyway. I don't know of any other way to install the balancer just don't beat on it, use the wood and take it slow. Put some grease on the lip seal so it does not bend inward when installing the balancer.

I would install the oil pan last just in case you have any problems with the seal.

Thanks Tim, I just love this forum. Everyone seems to want to help out anyway they can. It makes owning and working on my car so much more interesting.

[John H.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

Assuming you have the engine on a stand, block the back end of the crank against the stand when you install the balancer so the pounding doesn't damage the thrust bearing surface.

[Terry M.]

Re: Question on timing chain gear alignment

It sure would be nice to have an air driven driver tool that registers against the rear of the crankshaft -- like they had at the engine plants. I have never seen one outside there, but it wouldn't be hard to make one. It would weigh a ton, but nothing is ALL good.