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

Would love to confirm the correct ignition timing on my Six, but alas, there are no apparent timing marks on this engine. There is a pointer installed on the front of the block, hovering over the harmonic balancer, but there are no marks on the outer face of the balancer, just a paint chip. I have learned that there are timing marks on the flywheel, and that there is a viewing port on the flywheel housing, underneath the starter. Not on this engine. I removed the left front wheel/tire and the inner fender skirt and found the port, but on this engine the "port" is just an indentation in the housing surface, and made of the same material as the rest of the housing, apparently. Next option, I had hoped to be able to find TDC by the "removing spark plug #1 and inserting a rod to sense the position of the piston, and then crank the engine by hand" method, but of course the spark plug holes are aligned over the valves, not the pistons. I do not desire to remove the top of the engine - surely there is a gasket under there that will require replacement, and are replacement gaskets actually available. Had to rebuild a badly leaking Carter WA-1 carburetor, and need to know the ignition timing is set properly. Any insight would be appreciated.

It's supposed to be just below the starter mounting flange lower bolt. It may be covered with a stamped steel cover that can be swung out of the way. According to the 1938-39 shop manual, there is an access hole under the starter and there are timing marks on the flywheel. The shop manual is available for download on this website in the Literature Section.

Good morning. Some of us remove the plugs and then put a penny over the number one plug hole. Turn the engine over by hand and when the penny jumps up, you are at top dead center. I suspect someone has done this with your engine. The pointer and the white spot on the balancer are to help the timing light confirm your setting. Ernie in Arizona