My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: tomcattoy on June 05, 2013, 12:22:17 AM

Title: Finding timing marks on the flywheel
Post by: tomcattoy on June 05, 2013, 12:22:17 AM: I pulled my distributor to clean and lube it, and put in new points and condenser. I had the rotor pointing to the #1 cylinder wire when I pulled it. Now I am trying to find the timing marks on the flywheel to set everything correct.

The problem is finding the timing marks. I am trying to do this alone, so turning the flywheel and watching the through the site hole is a pain. Any easy ways to find the marks, or at least control a slow steady turn of the engine in order to find the marks?
Title: Re: Finding timing marks on the flywheel
Post by: athawk11 on June 05, 2013, 11:11:55 AM: Tom,

Tricky isn't it?

I found that a ratchet wrench and socket on the pulley nut is the easiest way. It's even easier if you pull the spark plugs. Then you're not fight the compression.

Tim
Title: Re: Finding timing marks on the flywheel
Post by: macrisel on June 05, 2013, 12:05:57 PM: I recently had my flywheel off and outlined my timing marks with white paint....and it is still next to impossible to see!ï¿½ On top of all of that, your flywheel may be installed 180 degrees out and might not be correct for timing.ï¿½ I have always found looking through that little hole trying to find those marks to be very difficult.ï¿½ Here is my advice.

1.ï¿½ Follow Tim's advice and remove all the plugs and use a ratchet and socket to turn it over.
2.ï¿½ Put your thumb over #1 cylinder and turn the motor over until you feel air pushing out of the hole and almost all of it is pushed out.ï¿½ You may have to try 2 or 3 times to get the "feel" of when all the air is almost out.ï¿½ This will place the piston close to top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke.
3.ï¿½ Pull the cap of the distributer and verify your rotor is pointing to #1 cylinder wire.ï¿½ Then loosen the distributer retaining bolt and turn the distributer where the points are just about to break (open).
4.ï¿½ Gently tighten the retaining bolt and try to start the engine.ï¿½ If the motor is hard to start or hasn't been ran in quite a while, I would recommend you pull start it.ï¿½ This will save wear and tear on your starter and battery.ï¿½ It will also let you spin the motor a little faster to make up for your timing not being "exact".
5.ï¿½ When you get it running, stick a timing light on it!!ï¿½ In my opinion, this is the most accurate way to set your timing!ï¿½ (Assuming you have the timing marks on your timing gear cover...)

I would also recommend replacing your cap, plugs and wires and making sure you have a good battery and good grounds.ï¿½ Remember, these engines are basically large air pumps.ï¿½ If they have FIRE, FUEL and are IN TIME they should start! (even though they sometimes don't feel like they ever will!ï¿½ ;) )

Good luck!
Title: Re: Finding timing marks on the flywheel
Post by: tomcattoy on June 05, 2013, 03:41:06 PM: I will try the socket/ratchet approach for sure. Hopefully I will fin timing marks. Otherwise, I will try Mark's trick.

Thanks.