There is supposed to be a tab on the timing cover a lot of times it gets broken off. GoodluckJoe
I have a 1986 Suburban with a 350.More than likely it's in the same place as mine. Look behind the water pump from above, more than likely your TVS switch will be in your way. However, it is there. The vibration dampner will identify TDC almost completely verticle.Behind the pump you should find a traditional timing gauge along with a tube extending upwards through the gap between the water pump and block. It is possible to set the timing to this mark, however like mine, you may have to remove the water pump to clean and verify it's accuracy with alittle tweak or Two. The tube is for a special kind of timing indicator/light for the shop tech to use. I know, it is seems like a dumb idea compared to the traditional timing mark between the power-steering pump and bottom of the water-pump, but what can you do, it was the 80's.
If you are having trouble seeing the timing marks spray carb cleaner or Brake clean on it till it cleans up. I have also pushed a rag down on it with a long screwdriver and wiped it off as well.Stan
If you will look stright down behind the water pump, you will see the timing tab.
The easiest way is to look at the Harmonic Balancer. The 305 has a wider thicker balancer than the 350. Pus the timing tab on a 305 is located ON the timing cover and the 350 is bolted on the with the cover bolts. Riky9
The only thing I can think of is that the timing tab on your engine has been removed. The hash mark should still be on the balancer, but may be obscured by dirt, grease, or accessories. You might be able to get a new timing tab from an auto parts store or dealer. Some professional quality timing lights have a timing readout, which would eliminate the need for direct reading.
on the left side of the 1979 chevy!
there will be a timing mark on the harmonic balancer. and a timing tab on the timing chain cover. point your timing light at the timing tab and you should see the timing mark on balancer. if not timing is way out.markstang.
you can purchase an aftermarket timing tab which bolts to the timing cover.
On my K5 the timing tab was not there I had to buy one from a parts store.AnswerOn the k5 I have there was no timing tab I had to buy one from a parts store. TDC mark is white or just a cut. This is found behind the fan nearest the motor. It can be hard to see. When you find it mark it with something white (white out, paint, ect.)
http://www.summitracing.com/ If is available on earth, Summit Racing will have it.
#1
The timing marks are on a tab adjacent to the harmonic balancer.
I believe what you're talking about is that there is two timing tabs on the motor. One at 1 o'clock and 1 at 5 o'clock. The top one is hard to see so gm put one on the bottom where it is easier to get to or see. If you use the top tab you hook your timing light to the #1 plug wire and if you use the bottom tab you hook to the #5 wire
Make sure that the number 1 piston is at TDC (all the way up with the intake and exhause rockers loose). The camshaft and crankshaft gears (timing chain gears) have tiny notches imprinted on them that would face each other when the engine is timed right. ie. the crankshaft would point directly up, the camshaft would point directly down. The timing tab is welded to the timing chain cover at the 12:00 postion.