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Timing 350 small block at the flywheel.

J

jclays

Regular Contributor
How do I time my engines (twin 350s) at the flywheel. I saw some marks 3 dots some time ago. Inside the window on the flywheel cover is a flat area like a ledge with 2 notches opposite each other about 1 1/2 inches apart. One of those marks has white paint on it as if it was an old timing mark. I have one standard rotation and one counter rotating engine.
 
With a timing light of course...

along the bottom of the inspection port of the flywheel cover, the serial number plate's top edge should have two bumps. For the LH engine, use the right bump and for the RH engine, use the left bump (looking towards the flywheel). You align the "correct" mark on the flywheel with the appropriate "bump". Some flywheels will have two marks - one for TDC and one for the recommended initial advance setting. Both are made radially; one being a contiuous line at least a 1/2" long (a deep scribe) and the other being three "dots (center punches) spaced within a 1/2" of each other.

I'd suggest starting by cleaning up the flywheel and finding the markings on it. If you rotate the engine to get the balancer's mark to "zero" on the pointer, the flywheel marks should be in the "window". I mark the "correct" one with "whiteout" as it makes seeing it so much easier...
 
Rather than bumps mine have a notch cut into the plate LH and RH sides of the plate on both engines. My flywheel has a deep scribe about 1/2 inch long at one of the teeth. I put my engine on tdc using the timing mark on the harmonic balancer then checked at the flywheel. The scribe mark was centered between the LH and RH notches.
 
Why are you not using the harmic balancer and related timing marks?

With a properly marked off balancer, you can not only set base advance, but you can check the progressive and TA.
And you can so while not relying on the electronics and algorythm of a digitally advancing timing light.

However, if your faith in these is OK, then go for it!


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Timing tabs are rusted to the point that there are no teeth or markings on them. Flywheel easier to view. Just need basic timing. These engines are basic 1960's 350's no fancy computer or electronics on them. Usually time 6 degrees BTDC and run very good. Tune the carbs with a tach.
 
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