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I am trying to get the timing set on my '39 Six. The mechanic performing the work asked me to try and find out where the timing marks, etc., are on the car as there is no obvious 'pointer' and timing marks on the harmonic balancer that we can see. Is there a specific procedure for the Six?
I looked through the service bulletin files and could not find anything that answered the questions re: recommended timing setting, dwell, points gap, etc. I also want to take the distributor out and, in other vehicles I have worked on, there is a TDC mark on the harmonic balancer. Is TDC ascertained by a flywheel mark or some other method on the Six? Any help, pics or directions to the appropriate archive would be hugely appreciated. Much thanks to any willing to share.

Others will have to confirm if applicable to the six but some of that era cars have timing marks on the flywheel which is viewed thru a peephole.

Here is an illustration of that setup and also timing specs from Sept 15, 1938 Service Counselor Vol 12 #18. If you want to download it, the complete specs for all the 39 cars are in that counselor.

The service manual also has a bit more info on timing as it gives a range of 6-7 1/2 degrees for the 39 six with standard head and 5 to 6 1/2 degrees for the high compression head. The combo 38-39 service manual is also here for download.

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HH has it correct. But, note also that our modern fuel's octane is higher and other parameters are different from that available in 1939. Further, your distributor mount has a graduated rotational gauge for which the owner would adjust to compensate for the variation in the gas they happen to get. Open the hood, loosen the distributor while engine running, tweak until the engine sounds good, tighten distributor mount, wipe off hands and clothes, jump back in car and drive. Imagine asking owners to do that today.

So, I suspect your mechanic may already know this, but consider the factory spec as a good starting point from which you may need to adjust.

I hope this helps.
Pat (owner of 39 Six)

Packard newbie, et. al.: Setting the timing by viewing the marks on the flywheel through a small hole under the starter is a difficult job. Usual way is to remove the LF wheel and fender splash panel. Easy access to the timing marks and distributor is there after this.

While doing this job the first time on my 37 Six I made a pointer and marked the harmonic balancer for future jobs. The pointer is a heavy wire fastened to the engine front cover. Using the flywheel marks I transferred them to the balancer. I painted the pointer and marks with white paint so they would be more visible. Now, when I want to set the timing I use the easy to see balancer marks.

Also, there is an "Octane Setter" on the base of my distributor, and you may have one on yours too. It allows minor changes to either advance or retard the timing to adjust for varying fuel quality back in the day. Read all about it in your service manual.

Hope this helps.

(o[]o)