I am one of those people who have been lurking in the shadows of .org since .coms demise. I have gotten over the fear of being ridiculed for my lack of slant knowledge and decided to post these questions.
First some background.
After purchasing my Toad, I realized my 61 170 does not have a timing indicator. I have acquired a timing chain cover that has the indicator spot welded to it. I also have been told that on some models the indicator was bolted to the cover. I am suspecting that whoever rebuilt my 170 failed to install it at that time.
Question 1: Will the spot welded indicator work on those motors that originally used the bolt on type?

Question 2: My harmonic balancer also needs to be replaced. Can the balancer be removed with the motor in the Toad or will I have to jack the front of the motor up to clear the steel that sits in front of it?

Thanks

First of all, no one will ridicule you for lack of knowledge - that's why we're here. There are some strong personalities here and sometimes they clash, but overall everyone is very helpful.

Timing indicators can be in a couple of different locations depending on the year the engine was produced and the vehicle in which it was installed. On the toad it was on the driver side and was secured by the timing cover bolts. Others may have been on the opposite side. Either will work but you might have to remark your harmonic balancer. It would be simpler to get the correct timing indicator for your car, assuming that the balancer is original. You can check it by bringing the engine to top dead center with the distributor rotor point to #1 plug wire. If the timing mark lines up with the indicated TDC on the indicator all is well. If not you might have a balancer intended for a different car or the outer ring of the balancer has slipped.

The balancer can be removed and reinstalled with the engine in the car but you will have to remove the radiator to have enough clearance to operate the puller. It's a tight fit past the lower portion of the radiator support but I'm pretty sure there is enough room.

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

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

Welcome...
I have some good used dampeners with the correct mark. PM me if you need one.
DD

I thought the timing tab on my 60Val was missing also,but on further investigation found it stamped on the passenger side of the timing cover,its easy to see when you know where it is and after it is clean.The 170 in my Val was original and sure the timing cover was also.Even though I found the timing marks ,I still found a bolt on driver side timing tab and remarked the balancer just because its a little easier to read.
HyperValiant

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1960 Hyper-Pac Valiant(rolling test-bed)
1963 Valiant V2OO(Son's summer project,- he just turned 15 )
1972 Valiant 4dr(Daughter Kelly's repair in progress)
1974 Valiant (v8) daughter Kelly's work in progress