[53texponcho]

I have 55 engine in my 53 Chieftain and I can't set the timing at the marks it stalls but if I advance it about 30 degrees it run ok, but I think it should run smoother, when I have the timing set about 30 degrees advanced and starts right up. I put an RV performance flat tappet cam in the engine, that was supposed to work on a 55 to 76 engine all V8,s but there wasn't any instructions on the timing. Anyone have a suggestion or could I have the chain off by a tooth?

[beargfr]

How old is the balancer? My first suspicion would be that the ring has slipped and the marks are now way off. When you can get it to run, how well does it run?

Bear

[53texponcho]

It's an original 55 balancer with the double pully, I added power steering. I found one with the rubber still in very good condition that didn't have any rubber deterioration. I don't think it spun but I guess it could have. When I set the timing by ear and response and it's warmed up it runs pretty good but I only have 12 inches of vacuum at the best setting. Any other thoughts?

[b-man]

The early balancers ('67 and before) have the timing mark on the inner hub that's directly attached to the crank, not on the outer ring that can slip like on later balancers.

The timing portion of the balancer can't slip so you can rule that out.

Try setting the total timing at about 36 degrees with the vacuum advance line disconnected and plugged. Rev the engine until the centrifugal advance is all in (probably around 3000 RPM or so, the timing mark will stop moving when the advance is all in) and set the timing at 36.

[53texponcho]

I give that a try this weekend when it warms up a bit. Thanks for the advise. I see your Avatar is a 64 GTO, my favorite car, I own a 64 Lemans hardtop with a 326, wood wheel, power steering and brakes, reverb and spinner hub caps and a factory tack. White factory bucket seat interior and automatic. I really liked that car and drove it from 1967 to 73 and it got 22 mpg highway. I've been trying to find one like it for years.