After approximately 10K miles since I put my '57 wagon with 312 and automatic on the road, it was starting to run a little ragged so I figured a tune up was in order.When I put the car together I replaced the wires, cap, rotor and installed a Pertronix ignition. When we purchased the car it showed 100K, but the speedometer wasn't working so the actual mileage is unknown. Some time back I had the pan off to replace the rear main and everything was surprisingly clean so I am assuming that the engine has had some major work some time in it's past. It is also fairly clean in the valley and under the valve covers.
So I installed new plugs, while the plugs were out I thought I would also adjust the valves. I was somewhat surprised at how far off some of the adjustments were but I attributed that to sloppiness on my part. So I hook up the tach and timing light and start the engine. Now the valves are quit noising. I let it warm up and the idle drop down and I can't find the timing mark with my light. After a bunch of checking and head scratching I see the that timing marks are 2-3 inches ahead of the pointer (like it would way advanced, I think). I removed the number one plug and using a remote starter button and my finger in spark plug hole, I can repeat the same scenario as with the timing light.
The pressure goes by my finger before the marks on the dampener reaches the timing pointer. The car had been running fairly well, adequate power, no pinging or over heating.
My question is it possible for outer ring of the dampener to shift or change and if so it there a means for testing this or is it possible for the timing chain to jump teeth? Are the timing sets all metal or do they have a fiber covering that can wear and possibly allow the chain to jump.
I am hoping you guys can help me figure this out.
Thanks
Jeff

Jeff Petersen