Timing Question

Hi there. I was just checking the timing on my jeep (inline 6 1973) and it appears to be way off. Now this is the first time I've done this so there is liable to be some OE. When I hooked up the timing light and shined it on the timing marks, the marks weren't lining up at all. In fact the notch thats spinning around wasn't lined up with any of the timing marks, but a good ways past them. It seemed odd to me that it was this off, because it runs pretty good, just a little quirky sometimes. So I'm assuming I'm needing to adjust it. I looked it my service manuals and they talked about loosing a distributor hold-down bolt. Where exactly is the bolt or bolts? Thanks for the help!

 

If the engine runs fairly well but the timing appears to be way off when checking it with a timing light the most likely cause is the outer ring of the harmonic balancer has started to move on the hub. This is pretty common on old engines, the balancer on my 258 in my 72
CJ was off by about 30 degrees when if first got it.

 

Max,

Just off the base of the distributor is a U- shaped clamp that holds the distributor down once tightened. Loosen the bolt (IIRC it is 9/16") and have someone look at the timing marks. As you slowly turn the distributor housing the mark on the flywheel will move also. Check your manual for the proper timing setting. Once you have it where you want, tighten down the bolt and then recheck...

 

As autotech stated, the balancer moving is VERY common...Which might be what you're seeing....But...to be quite honest...I find that many engines run better when advanced past what the factory marks will even read...So you may just be advanced past it. If it runs good, starts good, has crisp throttle response and does not ping when you're under load...then it's okay.

 

Did you remove the vacuum advance from the dist?