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jeff denton · 02-20-2008

If the head was on a block and #1 piston was at TDC (actual, not guessed) and a timing chain was installed AND the right side had no slack, then YES, the farther the mark goes to the right on your neat little gauge the more the cam is advanced. If your looking at the original dimple on the sprocket, then apparently your gauge is timing it to #4? I'm not sure Bob's drilling method is the same as mine, but if so, that dimple can only be used when the pin is in the original hole! If his method is different then my answer may be backwards...
Anyway, think of it this way: if the cam is ahead of the crankshaft, it is advanced. If the cam is behind the crankshaft, it is retarded.
Aw, crap, I can't use that kind of language. Sorry. I meant mentally handicapped.
The simple tool is that little clock on the magnetic base, but move it up to number one cylinder. Then mark off all your flywheel teeth and use it as a huge degree wheel. There's lots of room next to the teeth to write things like "TDC" and "BDC" and "IO" for intake open and "IC" for intake closed. It will all become crystal clear! Once you "get it" you don't need timing marks any more.
I gotta get back outside for a minute. My kids are very worried about the moon. I think the power company up there is having a brownout or something.

02-20-2008	#57 (permalink)
jeff denton former opel racer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: near some glaciers Posts: 2,863 Real Name: Jeff "Oh-Oh" Denton	If the head was on a block and #1 piston was at TDC (actual, not guessed) and a timing chain was installed AND the right side had no slack, then YES, the farther the mark goes to the right on your neat little gauge the more the cam is advanced. If your looking at the original dimple on the sprocket, then apparently your gauge is timing it to #4? I'm not sure Bob's drilling method is the same as mine, but if so, that dimple can only be used when the pin is in the original hole! If his method is different then my answer may be backwards... Anyway, think of it this way: if the cam is ahead of the crankshaft, it is advanced. If the cam is behind the crankshaft, it is retarded. Aw, crap, I can't use that kind of language. Sorry. I meant mentally handicapped. The simple tool is that little clock on the magnetic base, but move it up to number one cylinder. Then mark off all your flywheel teeth and use it as a huge degree wheel. There's lots of room next to the teeth to write things like "TDC" and "BDC" and "IO" for intake open and "IC" for intake closed. It will all become crystal clear! Once you "get it" you don't need timing marks any more. I gotta get back outside for a minute. My kids are very worried about the moon. I think the power company up there is having a brownout or something. __________________ No Opels were harmed in the filming of this movie. However two Mustangs, a Pinto, and a Capri were hospitalized. One Mustang was euthanized the next morning. Last edited by jeff denton; 02-20-2008 at 11:53 PM.