Timing inspection hole

[nbcbird]

There has been a moderate amount of discussion lately on this forum with problems not being able to see the timing ball on the flywheel when trying to adjust the timing. Here is a photo of a hole drilled in the sheetmetal cowl below the hood latch assembly in front of the heater/fan (my car in being restored, so the photo will have some missing references). The hole can be a little smaller, but it makes sighting of the ball much more direct. Simply center the hole in the opening.

This was a 2002 fix initiated almost forty years ago, and I have taken it for granted that everyone has performed this procedure.--Jim

[nbristow01]

Man thanks for the info, may help some of us get off the timing ball tread mill we are on

[c.d.iesel]

[Mike Self]

because othewise engine fumes will find their way into your heater and fresh air outlets.

That's the reason for the "elephant trunks" aka "duck lips"--those rubber tubes that are flat at the bottom and live in the three heater plenum chamber drains. Keeps the fumes (like CO) out of your pax compartment. If your trunks/lips are missing or rotted, replace 'em. Carl Nelson (La Jolla Independent) has nice repros at a reasonable price. It's a safety thing.

cheers

mike

[nbcbird]

Mike--Good point about the engine fumes, but I have never had any problems in the 35 years I have been driving the car (even when using the heater fan). A smalll rubber plug is a very easy fix for the convenience of easier sighting of the timing ball.--Jim