Just time it with a vacuum gauge- spend the rest of the time doing important stuff (like playing with the grandkids)...

BOO- YA!!!

Thanks for all the replies.

I know I could have done this before I put my engine back in but that would have been to easy!

Luckily it is already marked well enough I can wing it from here.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Al - this method works for me - not for everyone - but - while building the OLDS motors, I got in the habit of permanently marking the dampeners. Saw cut a tiny groove and blackened it. I've added some marks to the bird now too.

Measured the OD - multiplied by pi - and calc'd the circumferential distance required to place a mark at the "full advance" timing point. Now - I always "power time" the engine by reving it to high enough rev's to reach full advance and then lock the timing at the top. If you have your set-up right - it will drop right back to the proper initial at idle.  

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

My stock damper is marked to, I believe, 30 degrees from the factory. I measured the distance between the marks and added marks up to 40 degrees. I used white rustoleum primer. It has held up surprisingly well - 5 or 6 years now. I've also marked it every 90 degrees for valve adjustments.


Lawrenceville, GA

There are some fairly standard Ford ones that are a little over 7" they work (sort of) on a standard dampner. Put a tape around your dampner to confirm the diameter and then check th local speed shop. Keeping them on is another question! My last one I repainted the dampner, cleaned it with Prep-sol, stuck on the tape and then clear coated over it. Didn't last one season before the water broke it down. Anybody have suggestions to make them last? Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I need a new tape for my Bird harmonic balancer. Anyone know which one (size) I should get or where I get the specs on the balancer, can't get to mine at this time. thanks

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK