Dear All

Just finished rebuilding a SBC350, thought I had set valves etc. correctly during build and had also determined TDC (metal plate accross short block method), matched timing marks on damper and timing cover.

Anyway, just about to 1st fire.... I primed the engine with oil and rotated the crank to TDC #1 to set the dizzy. OK fine, then I checked to make sure that valves on #6 were rocking (this is how you check your timing is not 180 degrees out?). They were not.

Really confused. I was sure that the timing was OK but #6 definately not rocking at #TDC. Pull the timing cover off etc. Checked the timing gear. Harmonic damper at TDC (as noted checked) so the crank is at the right position. The cam timing gear has the (only) timing mark directly at the bottom (i.e. at TDC) opposite the crank timing gear so everything should be OK?!

The cam timing gear is the type with a single location hole that accepts the cam shaft pin so this can only go on in one position. The crank gear has three possible grooves for the crank key but I am sure the crank it at TDC as it was checked during the build.

Other info:-
- 1992 BTI engine (converted to performer induction)
- Performar cam (street)
- New hydraulic lifters
- Original timing cover and damper

Also, the valves were rocking fine but when I primed the engine with oil they stopped rocking (any idea why?).

The engine rotates fine (always has) so the valves have not hit the pistons so this would indicate the timing is OK and I have got compression.

I have now taken the rocker arms off and I am looking at pushrod movement but #6 valves are moving but still not at TDC#1.

I have been puzzling over this for 3 days now and I am sure I am missing something obvious so any help you guys can give me would be really appreciated!!!! I am really staring to lose my mind over this!

Thanks


John