I have a 302 that I am trying to time. I need to buy a timing pointer. I have learned there are several styles of pointers. So... if I run the numbers on the block and figure out what year the block is, will I be able to properly chose the style pointer I need?
Nope... Block has nothing to do with pointer, it must be matched to front cover and the harmonic balancer... AFAIK all the 70s and most '80s 302/5.0 use a passenger side pointer... 1969 & earlier are different...
I would rotate #1 up on compression stroke and see where the TDC mark (that has been marked with chalk or crayon) is located on the crank pulley. then get the pointer that mounts to that location...JMO
The '60s 289 & 302 had timing pointer on driver side & a harmonic balancer with corresponding markings...
The lower radiator hose in the sixties was on the passenger side of the radiator, and the water pump for that set up had the hose connection over there too, and the timing pointer was on the driver side of the cover. If you use a balancer that puts the TDC mark also on the drivers side (60s), it will use a 3 bolt crank pulley (60s). You will need a 60s radiator too. If you have a radiator with lower hose outlet on the driver side (70s), you need the water pump with driver side inlet (70s), balancer with a four bolt lower pulley (70s), and pointer on passenger side. LOL......Tom put out the abridged version of this while I took a year to type it. I hope you are not confused by now. This all assumes you are using v belts.
I think the '70s water pump can be used on the earlier cover but inlet blocks the pointer... As Stu says, the balancer must match cover as well as pulleys... If you are using early cover & late balancer you may be able to mount '70 up pointer... I have a 289 I can look at cover...
If your setup is a mis-match between the pointer and balancer, you might find it easiest to buy an adhesive timing tape. They sell them through a lot of places, Summit being one of them. You will need to match the tape to the diameter of your balancer, and mark "Zero" for your existing pointer by finding TDC on cylinder #1. This may get you past visibility problems if the water pump is getting in the way, too.
Here is picture of my 302 with HP289 Damper and 289 timing cover, with pointer on drivers side, p/n: C8AZ-6023-D many aftermarket Mustang shops should carry a replacement, also link to timing tab location........ http://www.atiracing.com/products/dampers/charts/damford.htm#balance David
