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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Plymouth 218 valve timing

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Expert: - 8/5/2009


Question
I am working on a 1951 Plymouth 218 flat head 6.  My problem is when the timing marks on the timing gears are lined up the number one piston is not at tdc.  The piston reaches tdc when the crankshaft gear is aprox 40 degrees off the timing mark.

I compared the new gears to the old ones and the timing marks are in the same place in relation to the keyway.

Since the gears are keyed on to the crank and cam shaft I don't see how I could have put it together wrong.

Any ideas?

Answer
I found a note in one of my reference manuals relating to this engine and timing chain replace ment. It says, "it is immaterial which cylinder is at top dead center when the timing chain is replaced with the marks on the crank gear and cam gear opposite each other."
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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