In process of replacing original timing set on low-mile ‘69 442 400 ci before plastic teeth start failing.

With crank gear at 12 oclock and dizzy rotor pointing at #1 terminal, the original cam gear is oriented as shown in photo. ( I cleaned gear for the photo).

I’m not familiar with Olds motors, but the only pip mark i see on the cam gear is at 12 o’clock (rather than 6) and also the word “front” is displayed up side down (i understand word orientation not typically a definitive indicator).

perhaps that pip is not the indicator. Or If it is an indicator, perhaps they were installed at 12 instead of 6.

Thought i’d ask for comment from Olds experts

Thanks
Adrian

 

Crank at 12 and cam gear at 12 means the engine is firing on #1, crank gear at 12 and cam gear at 6 means its firing on #6

 

That is the correct orientation. One engine rotation and the cam gear mark will be at 6 and the crank gear mark will be at 12, which makes "aligning the dots" easier. Then one rotation of the engine and the cam and crank marks are both back at 12.

My recommendation is that you use a degree wheel to verify the cam timing withe the new timing set. Years ago I had one 8* retarded by lining the dots and the engine had no low RPM power.