63 wagon 170 auto, went to set the timing, got out the fsm, hooked up the timing light, and the crankshaft damper mark was no way near the timing tab, with the gun it was 83 degrees off. I set the damper on the timing mark to get no.1 cyl lined up, pulled the cap and the rotor was in the 11 'o clock position ( not 4 o'clock as fsm states,(passenger side). So I pull distributer out line up the rotor at 4 o clock, push in and it moves to the 5 o'clock psoition, great i thought. Well after an hour of playing with the dizzy tring to get it to run , it wouldn't, so had to put it back the way it was. Could the timing tab be in the wrong spot ( driver side block) or what gives? Motor was rebuilt last year, so timing chain should be good, any ideas?? Please help, the car is running well, little stumble at idle, Need ideas please!

At least on some harmonic dampeners, it's possible that the outer ring gets twisted w.r.t. the inner ring, rendering the timing marks useless. I've not had it happen to me on a Mopar, but I've seen it happen on a Ford.

If there's any doubt, check for TDC off the piston and remark the dampener.

The timing marks and tabs are in different positions on different years and models. It's entirely possible that your damper and tabs come from different models and is therefore off. 83* is probably pretty close to the right amount in that scenario. The best and correct way to do it is to find true TDC on #1 cylinder using a piston stop and degree wheel then remark your damper.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

Thats rough, cause the engine is in the car, timing cover, etc. Its hard to see into # 1 cyl with drool tubes! I noticed a stud on the front cover which seems to be a timing tab mount(middle of block), but dunno , looking for good ideas, easier solution,.

:shrug: You could try a different damper.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

How many different dampers were used. Are 225 and 170 dampers the same? What diameter is a 63 170 damper?

I know of at least 2 different timing mark locations, Driver Side and Passenger side. THere may have been other variations on trucks and / or vans but I'm not at all sure. It is my understanding that other than timing mark location, all slant six dampers are interchangeable.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.