I have a gen VI bbc and there are no timing marks on the crank pully. Last time I had the timing adjusted a friend of mine that's a mechanic came over with his snap on timing light and set it for me and didn't really explain how he did it. He's since moved away so I'm left to do it on my own now. Step one is getting a timing light that will do it. I'm guessing I need one of the digital ones, not just the flashing light like i've used on all my old cars with actual marks. Will this one work?
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/e...m=timing+light

And once I have the light, what am I actually looking for and how do I do it? I tried google but couldn't really figure out what to search to figure it out. Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I'm learning everything as I go and sometimes I just can't figure things out on my own.

timing marks are on the balancer not the pulley and a timing tab on the timing chain cover, picture is for refference only

You must have a "0" line on the balancer and indent/mark on the timing cover right? If so you need a timing light with an adjustable advance knob. Set the timing on the light to what you want then with the pickup on the number one cylinder, turn the distributor until the the "0" mark on the balancer lines up with the indent on the timing cover.

If you have no marks, then you will need to set the engine to top dead center on the number one plug and make your own marks or buy the correct pointer that mounts on the timing cover.

^^^ I agree with all from above. - adding info - possible one line on the balancer and that is 0. Also - You can buy timing tape and install it to the balancer lining up 0 on the balancer with 0 on the tape.

Buy a timing tape. The adjustable timing lights are very inaccurate.

If you get a timing tape, make sure you get one for the correct size balancer. There are a few different diameter balancers out there and you need a timing tape to match the diameter that you have.
Eddie

Yes there is a line, I didn't see it before until I rotated the motor by hand. So I set the timing light to the desired degree and then just rotate until it matches. Seems pretty easy actually. Off to buy a timing light and hopefully I can have the boat in the water by saturday!

Why are you having to time the engine ? Gen 6 is this a carb or EFI ?

Paint that line(groove) a bright color ( White works well) if it hasn't been already.

I sometimes wonder where you come up with the stuff you post or if you drink heavily after 5pm.

I have the Innova and it works great.