Well, I have always felt the the vette never really ran as strong as it should. I decided to check the timing today to make sure it was correct. Got everything set up, disconnected EST, and fired it up. No timing mark. I went to TDC using the screwdriver method and chalked it, still no timing mark. Turned the crank by hand and found the timing mark about 4 inches away from where it's supposed to be. Damn it.

Should I try to set it by ear? I'm guessing no since I have zero experience in that.

How difficult is it to remove the balancer and install a new one?

What brand should I get? I looked at ATI since I've heard they are good - I'm not spending $250. Sorry.

What about these ones on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/87-88- ... 65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARMON ... 65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.d ... 50D~Z5Z5Z5~Z5Z5Z50000050F

Thanks,

Matthew

I am thinking if it was 4" off the car wouldn't even run.

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I'm figuring the PO tuned it by ear and got it to run, the computer is probably making adjustments to it.

The outer ring of the balancer can slip on the center and cause problems with timing and vibrations but sometimes it can go unnoticed for a while.

Best to remove it using a kit you can rent from any auto parts store. Replace it with a new stock replacement balancer and use the install kit, also available for rent.

I was sitting here and wondering. For a temporary fix to check the timing could I put the piston to TDC and then mark the balancer at 0 or will that not work since I don't know what the timing is set at now?

Matthew

There are also two HBs on rockauto:
DORMAN Part # 594012 More Info {OE Solutions #12551537, 6272221} $34.79

ATP Part # 102075 More Info {#12551537} $36.79

Is your timing light adjustable?

Hey Bill, not it's not adjustable.

I ordered the HB from rock auto earlier. I'll just wait til it's here to tinker with stuff.

Matthew

Some comments Matthew,

If the old balancer was out 4 inches, that's like what 90 degrees? If it didn't slip, I'd make sure the plug wires are in the cap correctly. It's possible to have number 1 wire in the wrong slot and have the distributer pointed at that wire. It will run but the timing marks will be off.

Setting TDC with the screwdriver can be off by like, 3 degrees easily. You may want to try in by using the srcewdriver to find TDC (make a mark on the bal at 0, then turn the motor in the opposite direction until you find TDC again. Are the marks the same?
Normally, you use a piston stop and a degree wheel, rotate the motor until it hits the stop, set the wheel to 0, rotate the motor in the opposite direction to the stop and check the degree wheel. The difference on the wheel is true TDC.

I'd also suggest using a soda straw instead of the screwdriver, less chance for damage.

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The timing light will flash when the spark fires. It will not be off because of where the #1 wire is plugged into the cap. You can use any terminal in the cap for #1 if the rotor is correctly oriented. If the timing marks are off, then the timing is off too.

RACE ON!!!

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Agreed.

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I usually watch the valve, or toss a compression tester in the plug hole with the gauge off.

While it sucks to do they can come off with the engine in place in a C4 (damper), so when he gets the new one in he can dial in his base timing.

The ECM won't "correct" anything, it has absolutely no idea what the engine is set to because there is no crank or cam sensor. It a variable in the prom for "initial", which factory is 6 degrees BTDC if I recall. It could be set to 25* and the ECM will still "think" it's at 6 BTDC (plus whatever it adds)


-- Joe

I was thinking of using this one:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdet ... p?part=PIO-872001&FROM=MG

It's a little smaller then stock, with less weight.

Thanks for the replies, guys. The distributor appears to be correctly installed and oriented. It's very possible the HB was correct 2 years ago and has slipped since then or was only off to a minor degree before allowing it to be set and run. I don't know, it's only speculation at this point. The new HB shipped today so once I get it installed I'll update.

Matthew

Did you have a vibration?

(What does a vibration from a slipping damper even show up as?)

Nope, no vibration. Mine just slipped around but not forward or back. Sometimes you will get a vibration and it feels like your whole engine/car is shaking. I had that happen on my old blazer.

On a side note, the new balancer did show up today (quick shipping Rock Auto!) so I hope to get it in Thursday.

Matthew

PS - it can throw a belt, too, if it gets bad.