How do I time my 302 without being able to read the timing marks. We tried cleaning the balancer and lightly sanding to make them visible but it did not work. Any suggestions?
I rub a little white paint onto the area of the balancer where the timing marks are. as soon as you rub it on, rub it off. the paint will fill the grooves and numbers but not the flat areas in between. the only problem is that if you are extremely concerned with the paint on your balancer, you cant do it.
I have seen the outer ring come completely off the harmonic balancer taking the rubber with it (and without throwing the belt). When that happens you need to start walking back up the road to find the timing mark laying in a ditch. http://www.ringgear.net/Tech-Support/SOME-OF-THE-SIGNS-OF-A-FAILED-HARMONIC-BALANCER-DAMPER.html
YUP! Time for a new balancer. If it is worn enough to where you cannot see the numbers and marks, it is probably spun a bit and not balanced anyway. They are relatively cheap. I have a Professional Products #80007 I got off ebay for $60. WAY Better than stock. (WARNING!!! the 80007 is a 50 oz imbalance for 5.0 engines, but you can look at the website and get the same balancer with 28 oz imbalance for the 302). I know...it is kinda hard to see the numbers on this thing... The rub on the inside was my fault. I needed to knock off a casting tab on the water pump before I installed, but didn't catch it until after I installed and ran it, scraping the paint off the inisde edge.
I think you can still buy a timing tape from some aftermarket co's like Moroso etc. Find TDC on #1(best done with a dial indicator or piston stop and degree wheel) Line up the tape on zero with the existing timing pointer, then apply the sticky tape around the balancer. If you have gotten TDC perfect, you can then use a flat chisel to make new mark's and then use white paint or some white out. A new balancer is probably the best idea but a quick fix with the tape, can work.
Knowing where to look for the indicator and timing marks might be more helpful...... He may not need a new balancer - I can't even see my timing pointer!
He has 3 or 4 of these cars. I am assuming he is familiar with where the marks and pointer are. I am guessing it is rusted and the marks are illegible. I am also assuming that if it is that old and corroded, it is likely time to be replaced. 924 mav is not like me...A person who will use something into the ground because I am cheap. He will replace things when they are worn rather than try to make something worn or broken work with duct tape and a hammer .
Thanks for all the help guys. I have decided to get a new balancer. Scott, you mentioned a 28oz vs 50oz. It is a stock 302. Which do I need? I have seen on ebay 50oz for a 5.0 and 302. But none that were 28 oz.
The 302 is 28 oz, the 5.0 is 50 oz. Here ya go...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Prof...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories There are a couple more on there. Part number is 80006. Just type "80006" and scroll down past the T-shirts, and you will see the balancers. Be sure to look at your pulley setup and make sure you don't need any spacers. You can call Professional Products and ask them, if you go to their website and find the number.
