My New '68 Camaro Z/28 Butternut Yellow

[janobyte]

" some " of the well known ones

[maroman]

Danny, I hope I didn't lead you astray. In your post #327 the key looks offset, I even said it could be an illusion. Glad the key way is OK and looks like you've found your problem with the cam gear.

[69Z28-RS]

Danny,

Given that your cam gear was screwed up, I don't think you can get by with just 'putting things back together' in the positions that the crank/cam are sitting...   you (at least) need to VERIFY that the cam to crank timing is good, by aligning the dots on the gears when you install the cam gear;  this will require you turning the engine by hand to achieve that.  Once that is done and the chain installed, move or ensure #1 is at TDC, and install your distributor... hook up the wires... etc.

[janobyte]

pull the plugs ,will rotate very easy.

[dannystarr]

 Jano, always appreciate the advice from everyone here. Sounds good, I will pick up a Cloyes set-up from Summit or the like. I have a good working knowledge but by no means a Car Mechanic kinda knowledge. If you were talking mechanical in the trades, THEN we can talk about dimensional changes in materials with different expansion coefficients and expansion ratings caused by temperature changes at a constant pressure. Thermal baby! LOL  I crack myself up...

 Maroman, you DID NOT lead me anywhere negative. It ended up being some sort of adhesive buildup cocked at an angle. Which gave the illusion that the markings might not be lining up. But I am happy to say the crank looks great, as does the balancer. No burrs to be found upon close inspection.

 Will get the timing chain set-up, make sure everything lines up, adjust the valves and start reassembly. Have a lot of notes on what to do as I go.

Have had the plugs out now for a few days. Does turn over nicely.

 Here is balancer, timing cover all cleaned up and date photographed on each. Also the cam gear only had "3" full teeth! The rest were worn down or near gone. Good thing you all said to pull it apart. First up close up of teeth...Danny

[dannystarr]

cam gear

[dannystarr]

Date on Balancer B8  and date on Cover 4 68... So pretty cool. This sucker sure is numbers matching top to bottom.

[dannystarr]

also on balancer inside one of the spokes looks like F-1   G 2. What are those marks?

[dannystarr]

timing cover

[dannystarr]

What is this dimple in balancer? Is this the 36 or 38 degrees mark for timing?

[JohnZ]

Remember that when you set the cam and crank gears "dot-to-dot" to install the timing chain, the engine is at TDC on the compression stroke for Number 6 cylinder; in order to set it at TDC on the compression stroke for Cylinder #1, you need to turn the crank one full turn so both dots are at 12 o'clock. Then you can install the distributor with the rotor pointing at the #1 wire tower in the cap, and it'll run. 

[dannystarr]

JohnZ Thanx... I think I get it. I will print this out and keep it near by. What is that Balancer dimple?... Danny

[janobyte]

I'm at the station today, will take a look at my balancer tomorrow and see where the dimple is in relation to the degree markings.
Reference marks crank/timing remember : 12:00/6:00
                                                             12:00/12:00
                                                              install dist.       
Just as posted above via John Z.

When all is done, read up on cold setting the timing....very easy to do. Think it graces this site somewhere. You are going to notice 100% improvement in your performance with the new chain and gear.

Also check for a loaner balancer installer....no reason it shouldn't press on smooth for you.



Just to brain check you : at 12:00 and  6:00  crank/cam, #6 TDC. rotor should point to #6 terminal on cap....dist could be installed this way.  If  you pointed it to # 1 terminal  withoutrotating the crank 360 degrees , 180 degrees on the cam ,which puts both  marks at 12:00....you would have installed it "180 out" a frequently used term, but less frequently explained.

Study the above picture per John, making sense     2:1   crank/cam ratio

[1968 Z28]

Danny....You have my curiosity aroused, never thought about that dimple before.  My '68 has a dimple but it is only a 1/4" to the right from the line (balancer laying face down).  Maybe someone will have a logical answer.

[dannystarr]

Holly crap I screwed up big time. I was thinking of my mustangs, as I had 5 at once, all 65'-66' fastbacks...Then switched to Camaros a few years ago. Have not had a Chevy for many years... Anyway I used the LEFT front for no. ONE. NOW it's ALL pulled apart and I don't know what the hell to do! Can't believe I did that. I don't know which way is up. JUST when I was getting a handle of all the info previous, I go and do this... I don't know which way to rotate clock or counter, Do I now have my girl stick her finger in the REAL No. one, for comp. stroke... but then what? Do I Put the cover back on with 3 or 4 bolts.... then delicately slide the balancer on part way. Or stick the chain and beat-up gear back on and try to find TDC. Or turn the Cam by hand? Or wait to buy the new set-up and use it?   S*^t !!!.... Danny