QuestionI have a 1950 chevy 1/2 ton 3100 with a 235 in-line 6. I was able to get the truck running after it had been sitting for 15 years. The Service Manual talks about a ball bearing on the harmonic balancer for timing, but I can't find any bearing or marks on the harmonic balancer or the engine block. Where should I be looking for the marks and do you have a picture?
AnswerThe ball bearing is pressed into the front facing surface of the flywheel - (Not the harmonic balancer). It is viewed through an opening in the flywheel housing, from the passenger side. If you use a timing light, it will show in the window as it passes by when #1 fires.
You can time any engine without using the timing mark, however - by listening to the "ping" of pre-ignition. Be sure you have the gas grade you are going to be using in the tank, and drive the vehicle far enough to get the engine thoroughly warm, then drive it in high gear at about 30MPH on a level surface, then slowly press the accelerator down until you begin to accelerate moderately. If you cannot hear any "ping" at all, advance the timing in 10 degree increments until you finally do hear "ping" on acceleration. Then make fine corrections until you can just BARELY induce "ping" by playing with the accelerator to find the one point where it will just begin to ping, but quit on more or less acceleration. That is the best setting for the timing for that fuel, and will give you the best economy and performance. Be sure the point dwell is set first, because changing that will affect the timing.
Your engine should be a 216, not a 235, so I assume it has been changed- not that it matters - the same answer goes for both engines.
Dick (who drove an identical truck from 1975 to 1994, and still miss it!)
