I was given my dads boat that has been sitting for a year because of a problem with the distributor. I replaced it but then realized that the harmonic balancer is covered in surface rust so I don't see any timing marks. Was able to guess and get it to fire, But after going to order a new one online I don't see timing marks on a new one either. The boat is a 1996 VIP with a 96 mercruiser 454. Aren't there supposed to be timing marks on the balancer?


Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, but I don't usually do this kind of work and have only messed with distributors and setting timing a few times on older cars where it's easy to see.

Are you familiar with using a dial indicator in cyl #1 to establish trued TDC? Once you establish that you can make your own mark for zero and then measure the correct amount for you full in at X rpm.

The new one probably has a single mark across it that tdc then you would need to ad a timing tape and stick it on @ 0..........or get out the steel wool the timing marks are on there

EDIT: is the engine EFI ?

engine is carb.

No, but doesn't sound too hard. I'll look into doing that. Any tips?

There is normally only 1 notch cut into the balancer. The timing marks are on a tab attached to the timing cover.
When cylinder #1 is at TDC, the timing mark should be on 0*.

Back when I worked at a tune-up shop, we had a pressurized (100 psi) squirt can with B-12 in it. If we couldn't see the marks, we would give the damper and tab a good blast with eng idling . Worked pretty well. If we still couldn't see the damper mark, we would have to bump eng over till we found it then color it with a yellow crayon.

You can also pop off the valve cover and find TDC on #1 by watching the lifters rise and fall as the crank is turned slowly. just make sure it’s on the compression stroke by pulling the plug and putting your finger in the hole and feel for air pressure.

Assuming the engine is still together...and you need to time the distributor?

As mentioned in previous posts, the balancer will have a line cut into it. Bar it over until you find it. Many ways to mark it visible. White paint marker works well.

Pulling the odd side rocker cover...bar over clockwise when looking at front... until cyl 1 intake closes. You will be on the compression stroke, and once the marked balancer line hits zero on the timing cover...you'll be at TDC on the power stroke, and you can align the distributor to #1 plug and a little bit more (5 deg adv ish). Once fired...you can set timing advance to desired initial timing.

I like the timing lights that can set advance #, and the light flashes to put the marker on zero deg adv...so it's easy to confirm timing accuracy.

This. ^^^
I use white out (or white paint pen - but white out easier) to paint in the notch.

I then use the same on timing tab once proper mark is found.