Re: Ping In 359 Engine

Posted by Don Shields On 2014/4/23 22:42:21

Thanks, OD. The head is the original. The numbers "359" are molded on the top suface of the head, and back in '06 the aluminum rotted out around #1 cylinder, looking for all the world like a blown headgasket. I had the rotted area welded and the head reground (probably raising the CR yet a little more.)

In order to use the dampner markings I'm going to have to find a timing indicator first. It looks like it's a steel stamping that is held in place by one of the timing cover mounting screws, according to the sketch in the parts list. Once that's in place I'll have a point of reference for the dampner markings. I used to have a '37 120 that had similar distributor base markings. I don't recall it having any marks on the dampner. Perhaps it's a throwback to that earlier time. It's mighty odd to me that the shop manual is completely mum on this feature.

I'm glad that you think the timing should be retarded, that's the conclusion I came to in checking this out. Thanks again for your advice and counsel.