i got an engine with the timing mark missing in the cranks gear, what would anyone recommend me to do?,I am broke and trying to put back my 79 mercruiser 140 hp motor before season is over!
exactly what mark is missing? the marks on the crank and cam gear? or the tab on the timing gear cover? ya gotta be specific to get a specific answer. the timing mark on the 140 is a small notch on the balancer rim I belive and the tab has the TDC and BTDC and ATDC marks. in a pinch for ign timing use a dial indicator to locate TDC for #1 and make your own marks. the math is simple once you mark the TDC of #1. if its the mark on the crank to cam gear the gear may be on backwards.
Roll the motor back and forth while probing the spark plug hole to find TDC.<br /><br />Take a dab of white paint and mark the pully and something right next to it.<br /><br />Start it up and use an "advance" timing light.
Rolling the engine and probing the spark plug hole will not find TDC accurately enough to set timing. A degree wheel and positive piston stop is required to find the correct TDC.
