Cam sawp

mjb765 · May 27, 2018, 11:35:23 AM

Another possibly dumb question........When I pulled the timing cover on my 383 with the distributor on #1 and the balancer timing mark on TDC, I found the timing chain marks on 12 o'clock---both cam and crank. is this normal? When I asked about setting up the new cam, I was told to set up with the cam at 6 o'clock and the crank at 12 so they are aligned. That is they was I have always done it. Not sure what cam was in the motor when I got it, so maybe these marks are right.

Thanks

JS29 · May 27, 2018, 11:51:10 AM

That same thing got me when I was A kid, The books show it that way. but I think so it was easier to alight the marks! But they don't tell you that the engine is 180 degrees off. but the good news is all you would have to do is rotate the distributor 180 degrees. ask me how I know.

but I did figure it out my self.

mjb765 · May 27, 2018, 12:05:20 PM

so 12 and 12 or 12 and 6?

JS29 · May 27, 2018, 12:11:01 PM

12 and 12 is TDC compression stoke, 12 and 6 is 180 off. So to answer your question yes that is normal.

1 Wild R/T · May 27, 2018, 12:37:25 PM

The reason you set it up at 12 & 6 is it's easier to get a visual confirmation the gears are aligned... But the distributor needs to point to cylinder 6 or timing will be 180 out... Normal....

mjb765 · May 27, 2018, 12:45:50 PM

Quote from: 1 Wild R/T on May 27, 2018, 12:37:25 PM
The reason you set it up at 12 & 6 is it's easier to get a visual confirmation the gears are aligned... But the distributor needs to point to cylinder 6 or timing will be 180 out... Normal....

OK..now I understand.....new one goes in 12 and 12 so distributor goes back the way it came out.

Thanks for clearing it up.

Weird that Lunati told me to install 12 and 6......but what does he care how much trouble I have.....

1 Wild R/T · May 27, 2018, 01:52:57 PM

Chevy has #1 firing when cam is at 6 & crank at 12..... Many in tech support know chevies & think "they are all the same"....

mjb765 · May 27, 2018, 03:15:44 PM

Thanks for all the help everybody. It all goes back together tomorrow.

Chryco Psycho · May 27, 2018, 03:49:02 PM

you can align them 12 /6 & just rotate the crank 360* once it is set then you are on #1 firing , keep in mind the oil pump drive can be dropped in in 16 different positions also

RUNCHARGER · May 27, 2018, 05:22:22 PM

Yup: I find the 12 and 6 easier to line up for the initial stab. I won't confuse you with what I do afterwards.

mjb765 · May 27, 2018, 08:11:26 PM

Quote from: Chryco Psycho on May 27, 2018, 03:49:02 PM
you can align them 12 /6 & just rotate the crank 360* once it is set then you are on #1 firing , keep in mind the oil pump drive can be dropped in in 16 different positions also

Thanks.....I was thinking that as well...align at the bottom and spin the crank once.

mjb765 · May 29, 2018, 05:10:15 AM

Aligned and 12 and 12 and it started right up!!!

Thanks for all the help.

RUNCHARGER · May 29, 2018, 07:22:50 AM

Good job. How does it sound?

mjb765 · May 29, 2018, 03:10:04 PM

Sounds good...but couldn't let run too much after break in. The house was vibrating and my other car alarms were going off.

Need to get some time to take it out for a ride. Hopefully in the next few days weather permitting.

RUNCHARGER · May 29, 2018, 07:05:45 PM

Ha, ha: Setting car alarms off delivers a certain level of satisfaction.