Classic/Antique Car Repair/'51 Cnev timing mark

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Expert: - 5/12/2009


Question
Expert Brad Spears Responded to my question regarding the timing mark location on the crankshaft gear of a 51 chev eng.on 3/24. At the time he did not have the answer. I was hoping he has the research material available to answer as to the timing mark location on the crankshaft gear. I am unable to find any marks on either side of the gear. I thought it might be possible to count teeth or spaces from the key way. Any help will be appreciated

Answer
It would appear that on your engine the key way and the timing mark are the same on the crank gear. Once installed turn the engine over until number one is at top dead center. At that point either number one cylinder or number six will have both valves closed while the opposite end cylinder, either number 6 or one will have both valves in what we call overlap. That is the exhaust just closing and the intake just opening. Remember that the crank turns twice for every turn of the cam. Thanks for waiting.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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