Hi
Working on replacing timing chain and gears on my 59 371. When i checked the timing marks on the gears they dont match the technical references. In the books, both service manual and motors it shows the marks on the gears at their closes point. (IE. Crank gear mark at the top and cam gear at the bottom). Prior to pulling the chain, When i manually rotate the the engine to the firing position of the distributor to the number 1 piston, the mark on the cam gear is at the top, the crank is also at the top. When i rotate the engine to match the illustrations, the distributor is firing the number 6 piston. Note the number one cylinder is at the top of its stroke. I am so confused?? The engine ran before i took it apart but timing was way off. Is it possible someone put the distributor in 180 degress off ? If so how the heck did it run?. Argh any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED.

 

This is normal as the crank and cam are geared on a 2 to 1 ratio, meaning the crank turns 2 revolutions to every one revolution of the cam.

 

Thanks yep its fine. A bit confusing but ok.

thanks again for the help

 

When you do the timing gear (per instructions) you line up the marks with the cam gear at 6:00 and the crank gear at 12:00, this means that the #6 cylinder is firing. Once done you rotate the engine 1 turn and the both the crank and cam gears are at 12:00, which means the #1 cylinder is firing and this is where you install the distributor with the rotor pointing to #1.

 

Thanks will do, that makes sense calming my confusion.
again thanks for the help i really appreciate it