Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Looking to accurately set the ignition timing. Understand that the timing marks are on the flywheel and not easily accessed. Desire to install timing marks on the harmonic balancer using timing tape. Does any forum member happen to know the diameter or circumference of the balancer, or perhaps a retail source of correct timing tape for this application? The engine is the 245ci variety.

Wanted to add an update. Removed the left front wheel and the inner fender splash guard. Found the timing mark peephole - covered in paint or something else equally opaque. First two attempts to scrape it clean unsuccessful.

In the photo it appears to have some kind of pop out cover over it. I’ve never seen one but that doesn’t mean that the cars didn’t come with it originally to keep water out! Did you try lightly prying inside the outer recess? It looks like that’s what it’s for. Maybe try a brake adjusting spoon.

Packard Don,
Thanks for your reply. I used Mister Acetone to remove the paint from the "peephole" cover. It is in fact just a recessed area of the flywheel housing. It seems to be the same material the engine block is made of - it does respond to a magnet touched to it. There is no apparent lip around it to pry under. Guess I will use the dowel-in-the-#1 spark plug-hole-method to find TDC. I do wonder how many degrees of crank rotation occurs while the piston is dwelling there. I did manage to snake my arms in far enough to measure the diameter of the harmonic balancer; about 6 1/2". Ordered a set of timing tapes from Summit Racing, so I can at least have a point of reference for timing.

Most engines had a small, round, pressed sheet metal cover with retainer fingers that plugged into the peephole under the starter. The small indentation at one side of the round depression is there to put a small screwdriver or similar object into to pry the cover off. The area in your picture just under the starter looks EXACTLY like the same area on my 1937 120. The round plug is about the size of a quarter. Try gently prying at the edge of the round area at the small indentation with a small, sharp screwdriver. The plug should come out fairly easily. Refer to the shop manual for information on what the flywheel marks mean.

Check out post #96 on my blog. You an see what my car looked like without the cover over the hole. I used a cover from Home Depot that is normally used to plug a counter top hole....worked great.

You can see the recessed area is just like your car. I agree with TxGoat....try removing the cover.

Don's 138CD Blog - Flywheel timing hole