Re: Set timing on 1924 Straight Eight Engine

Posted by PackardV8 On 2011/3/29 6:45:43

With no authorized documentation about piston position then the assumption that #1 piston should be at TDC would be prudent assumption. The 55/56 V8 manual indicates that #1 should be at TDC for timing gear alignment. I believe that the assumption is correct at least in general engine building THEORY and most practice.

HOWEVER, very early engines such this one built in 1924 or other obscure engines could very well be the exception.

There are only 2 or 3 ways to verify the timing marks.
1. Procedure found in service manual.
2. Compare the "new" gears to the gears that were removed provided that there is evidence that the engine actualy ran using the previous gears just removed from the engine.
3. The method outlined above by Owen Dyneto.
4 A similar method as outlined by owen Dyneto using a dial indicator on the valve lift. SUch a procedure may or may not be outlined in the manual. Such a procedure IS outlined in the 55/56 V8 manual and MIGHT serve as a reference guide.

At this point we have too little information to analyze the 'problem'.

The following questions need to be answered:
1. Have u actualy ever heard this engine ever run????
2. Did u check timing gear alignment BEFORE disasembly???
3. Are the 'new gears' marks in the same position as the OLD gears marks relative to the key slots????
4. Do u have reason to believe that the gears are for a Packard engine???
5. Why did u attempt to change the gears in the first place???
6. Is this gear change part of an complete engine overhaul procedure or just a timing gear and chain replacement only???