The number one cylinder is at tdc the distributor rotor is pointing to number one but the marks on dampener are way off like a half turn or 180deg. Im thinking the dampener slipped and a mummert dampener is in order? Is it a tough job? what does it consist of? Any special tools? Any answers are highly appreciated 25 years old and I love my 57 fairlane that I inherited the y block is awesome.

If the mark is 180 degrees off, then #1 is not at top dead center on compression.  You can verify by removing the valve cover to ensure that #1 intake and exhaust valves have rocker clearance.  If both don't, then you are not at tdc of compression.  Turn the distributor 180 degrees and see if it starts.

Damper replacement is a pretty easy job.  You need a puller, which should be available at your local parts store.  You need an installer which may be available at your local parts store.  You need to make sure that it has a 9/16 - 18 adapter to fit the Y crank and many installer sets do not have it.  There are quite a few options for that but you may have to order it.
The other tool you need is a shop manual.  Most questions can be answered by consulting the manual and there are pictures and trouble shooting procedures outlined, often better than people can do on a forum.



Lawrenceville, GA

If the ring on the damper has turned, you can get it repaired.  Damper Doctor is one outfit that repairs these.

You can get by without an installer.  What I have done in the past is to get a longer bolt, put the stock washer on it and bring in the damper far enough to use the stock bolt.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks for the answers. So it would be after intake valve opens and closes then pistons tdc compression right? Thx in advance

I've checked it like ten times in a row and every tdc the dampener markings are way off.

Assuming the piston is at TDC and the damper marks are somewhere else, then a damper replacement is in order.  With the #1 piston at TDC, double check that the valves on the #1 or #6 cylinder are at overlap.  This is where both valves are slightly depressed with the exhaust valve almost closed and the intake valve just starting to open.  If the rotor is pointing to the #1 spark plug wire in the cap, then it will be the #6 cylinder that will be at valve overlap.
 
I would recommend a new damper in lieu of getting the original repaired assuming this is a car or pickup.  If it’s a Thunderbird, then get the damper rebuilt.  To remove the damper, you’ll need to remove the damper bolt and then use a puller to remove the damper from the crankshaft.  Use of a damper installer tool or a long threaded bolt should be used to install the damper back on the crankshaft.  Do not use a hammer.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

When installing damper do I put #1 cylinder tdc with rotor on spark plug one and install at 0 degrees? Thank you for your time. It is a 1957 fairlane 500 4 door 292

The damper has a slot in it which fits over a woodruff key in the crank so the damper will only go on one way.  There is no need to have the crank in any particular orientation for the job.



Lawrenceville, GA

So how does the damper slip if it's got that key?

The damping mass is the part that slips.  That is the disk of metal behind the pulley.  You cannot replace that yourself.  You either get a new damper or send yours out for rebuild.



Lawrenceville, GA