Timing marks - 78 cover?

[architect]

Curious,

We’re there timing marks on the yellow belt cover - year 78? Any pictures?

My cover disappeared years ago.. thanks

[kilrwail]

Yes there are three marks on the cover in a '78 model. The longest one, which is the one to use, is located about one inch above (and to the left of), the bolt that holds the cover on near the bottom. Sorry I don't have a picture to show you.

[architect]

Perfect! I see the marks on an eBay listing. Assuming you can adjust the timing with the cover in place, via a timing gun and reference marks?

Seems like the fan / radiator would make it hard to see?

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Perfect! I see the marks on an eBay listing. Assuming you can adjust the timing with the cover in place, via a timing gun and reference marks?

Seems like the fan / radiator would make it hard to see?

I think I saw the same eBay listing, but in any event, you've got your picture. Anyway, you would use a timing light and those marks as compared to the mark on the crankshaft pulley. You might need to make the mark on the pulley a little more visible with white paint or brighten it up with a small file or the like.

And yes, those timing marks are hard to see and generally not very accurate either. Generally you point the timing light in the direction of the marks and put your head down at the level of the front driver's fender and eyeball it as best you can.

-Bryan

[maxm50]

Let’s just say that Fiat engineers didn’t put as much thought into visibility during engine timing procedure as pininfarina did into the body styling...

[architect]

Yes there are three marks on the cover in a '78 model. The longest one, which is the one to use, is located about one inch above (and to the left of), the bolt that holds the cover on near the bottom. Sorry I don't have a picture to show you.

Thanks!

Received the cover last night.. time to sand and paint today

I see the three marks as you mentioned.. can I assume the longest marker is 0 TDC? Then.. 5 and 10?

I pulled the cylinder 1 plug out today and going to try the ole whistle / stick trick to find TDC and align cams, etc.

[kilrwail]

Yes, that's correct - zero, then 5 and 10. You should align everything for TDC with cylinder #4, not #1. Use the distributor rotor to guide you.

[architect]

Yes, that's correct - zero, then 5 and 10. You should align everything for TDC with cylinder #4, not #1. Use the distributor rotor to guide you.

Ah, I see.. hopefully I’m following this correctly

#4 TDC (compression stroke).. which should align the “notch / indicator” on the crank pulley at “0” or “long marker”..

Intake and Exhaust pulleys aligned to “cam pointers”.. and Aux puppy pointing at belt tension’s bolt?

I don’t have a distributor.. using Computronix ignition.. which will require a “re-set” when everything is aligned.

Thanks Peter

[Nut124]

Does your Computronix use vacuum advance?

How much does it advance timing with RPM?

[architect]

No vacuum for the ignition - and timing is adjustable by twisting the unit

[Nut124]

The Fiat, like most engines would benefit from vacuum advance for low speed torque, driveability.

What kind of an advance curve is in the unit? Is it programmable? What is you target for idle advance and top end advance?

Sorry, a lot of questions.

[kilrwail]

Yes, that's correct - zero, then 5 and 10. You should align everything for TDC with cylinder #4, not #1. Use the distributor rotor to guide you.

Ah, I see.. hopefully I’m following this correctly

#4 TDC (compression stroke).. which should align the “notch / indicator” on the crank pulley at “0” or “long marker”..

Intake and Exhaust pulleys aligned to “cam pointers”.. and Aux puppy pointing at belt tension’s bolt?

I don’t have a distributor.. using Computronix ignition.. which will require a “re-set” when everything is aligned.

Thanks Peter

The auxiliary pulley should point to one o'clock.