My son just got this car and we are sorting out a number of issues. Getting a pretty good pinging under load. Went to check the timing and could not find the degree indicator. This is a 77 403 engine. Anybody got a picture?

 

Need hint as to where they are on a 1977 403 engine. Cannot see them in the usual places and think perhaps the PO did not install the degree marker plate. Picture would be helpful.
Thanks

 

Welcome, I'm assuming the tab should be on the upper right side (facing the engine) of the harmonic balancer. I've never worked on a 403, however.

 

Actually I saw a picture of a Pontiac 403 on the interweb and the degree marker appeared to be afixed to the timing chain cover under the lower radiator hose on the passenger side of the car. The HB is scored as it should be however there is nothing to read against so far as the degrees of advance or TDC. Me thinks it was omitted in the rebuild.....must have timed it the old fashion way when the valve and timing chain cover was off. If anyone has a degree marker for a 403 laying around I would be interested in buying it.

 

I can't speak to the timing tab location on a 403 from a Pontiac, but I would be very surprised if it were different from any other 403.


OK. Here's a photo of the world's rustiest 403 from a Trans Am. Note the plastic timing tab in the normal location (about 1:00 with respect to the balancer). Since it's plastic, it's not unusual for yours to have been broken off. 307s use the same plastic tab.

 

Joe....thank you for taking the time to respond and to post the picture. I am new to the Olds world and did not know the tabs were plastic. It is no wonder they go missing. In any event I've sourced one on Ebay and another thru a GM distributor. They are both reportedly for a 403 but look somewhat different. I got them both (only about $10 each) so we'll see which one works. Looks like it may be a tight job with removal of the PS pump and reservoir likely. In any event the 1:00 position looks correct, inasmuch as that is where the timing light is firing.
Again, thank for the response!