Re-installed my Engine after having it out all Winter to clean, re-seal, and Paint. I replaced the Timing Gears & Chain using the Ford Shop Manual for Reference. Won't Start. Damper at TDC .Both Valves #1 Closed. Distributor pointing at #1. Got Gas & Spark. I seem to recall Vaguely that the Shop Manual Picture is reversed maybe? Facing the Engine Timing Marks on Gears are on the Right (Oil Filter) Side of Block.That's the Shop Manual.Is it Wrong? I did double check the  Gears before I put it back together but now I am wondering if my Memory is correct and the Shop Manual is wrong? 

  

thats right timing marks to the right.where some get mixed up  is they do it with the engine upside down on the engine stand.

My engine wouldn’t start back in 2003 when it was rebuilt. I had to turn the distributor 180 degrees.

  Dennis in Lititz PA

Greetings to all:  You forgot to mention that there were 12 chain pins between the marks, right? Sometimes the view angle can play tricks on the eyes.  Just a thought, JEFF..............


64F100 57FAIRLANE500

I did triple check that. If the Damper is at TDC and #1 Cylinder Valves are closed I think that would indicate the Timing Gears were installed correctly. I just had a thought that the Shop Manual Illustration is reversed. Thanks for the Suggestion Jeff. I am going to get back into it Tomorrow. I am overlooking Something. Not sure what.

  

Use a timing light while cranking to make sure it is not too retarded to start easily.


Lawrenceville, GA

Good Suggestion Charlie. Hadn't thought of that. Figure out where the Timing is at. Go from there.

  

I am starting to Wonder if I am .360 Degrees off on my TDC. The valves are closed on #1 with some Valve Lash and I am assuming thats TDC on Compression Stroke. Could I be off on TDC Compression? I have done this replace Distributor several Times before and never had a Problem. Am I making wrong Assumption here? Thanks

  

That would be 180* out, not 360*.  Joe-JDC

JDC

I meant at the Crankshaft. Maybe I am one Revolution out for Compression stroke.