I have no idea how dampers are assembled, but I know mine has two pulleys and timing marks on one of them. Are the pulleys permanently mounted to the damper or attached in someway? If attached, is it possible to attach them in the wrong position (so the timing marks are not in the right place in relation to the keyed shaft)?

I ask this because I sent mine out to be rebuilt and was somewhat disappointed they did not refresh the timing marks. It could be because they were almost invisible. I looked very closely and found the marks so I used a triangular file to clean up the marks and added some white paint.

After starting a new 292 engine for the first time and rotating the distributor to adjust timing till the engine ran smoothly, the timing light seems to show the advance several inches beyond the timing marks (more advanced). Assuming each mark represents 2 degrees, my timing would be advanced 30-40 degrees. I assume that is not possible and the engine running OK.

Is there anything else that could cause the timing marks to be off, like the position of the distributor?