Help Finding Timing Mark

[mdsbch]

I just got my 85 a month ago and I'm trying to find the timing mark and plate that has the degrees above and below TDC. After looking at a Chiltons manual, I've looked all around the crankshaft balancer assembly and can't seem to find the plate or the mark on the balancer assembly. Is it possible that someone could have removed the plate with the degrees above and below TDC marked on it? :confused

 

[rrubel]

The plate with the degree marks should be attached to the timing cover, which is that plate behind the balancer. It's a sawtoothed piece of metal that's been spot-welded to the cover. The mark is a white line on the balance itself that's really hard to see once it gets old and dirty. It's lightly indented, so best thing to do is disconnect the distributor from the battery and stand there with a flashlight while someone bumps the starter a couple times.
[RICHR]

 

[mdsbch]

I think I've found the mark on the balancer itself, but still can't find the sawtoothed piece with the degree marks on it. Is it possible for this to be broken off or the cover missing. If so, can this be replaced or do I have to just find TDC on the number 1, make my own marks and use a timing light that has an adjustment on it?

Thanks for the help.

 

[rrubel]

If you can't find the sawtoothed piece of metal with the marks on it, and you're looking on the driver's side of the car right above the balancer, then it does sound like someone broke it off (or installed an aftermarket timing cover with no pointer).

Fortunately, there's a simple solution. You can go to an auto parts store and buy a bolt-on pointer (don't get the adjustable kind!) for about $5. Then look at someone else's Vette and see where it should be mounted. Then you take out two of the bolts holding the timing cover on, put the new pointer in place, and replace those two bolts to hold it in. The new pointer is bent the right way to be lined up properly, and as long as you get one for a small-block Chevy you should be fine.

[RICHR]

 

[mdsbch]

Thanks for all the help and info. I found the bolt on pointer at Murray's for under $5. This should work great.

 

[rrubel]

You're welcome!
[RICHR]