Base ignition timing marks on a GT40

[BigBen_UK]

I got the timing light out last night, hooked up to No 1 HT lead, and pointed it at the timing pointer and I couldn't see any visible markings just an area where the paint has flaked off and a bit of corrosion. I bumped the engine over and couldn't find any markings for entire circumference of the harmonic damper, apart from a notch that I believe is used for assembly and camshaft timing.

- firstly am I doing it wrong ?
- secondly are the timing marks on the GT40 stamped into the harmonic damper or painted on ? - I expected them to be cast into the metal.

If anyone has a photo of the pointer and marks I think it might be a good start to double check what I think is the pointer (port side, low down between crank and alternator - close to the harmonic damper - where I'd expect it to be )

Doesn't seem to be much out there on the internet - I know about pulling the SPOUT, 5 BTDC and raising the RPM (although the engine cover says 2000 rpm other places seem to suggest 1000 rpm but it the timing has no advance it shouldn't matter)

tbh the timing is probably spot on but I'd like to double check as it's a new engine to me and I like to make sure it's running as PCM intended.

[Blamey]

I'm pretty sure mine are stamped in there but it doesn't really matter if you can't see yours. I can take a picture if you think it would help.

Sounds like you need to find Top Dead Center and add timing tape to do the measurements.

[t.franscioni]

Agree should be stamped. Get some marvel mystery oil on a rag and wipe the corrosion off maybe the marks are just filled with rust and or paint. Mine marks were originally painted over and very hard to read. Masked it off and left them unpainted this time so I can actually see them.

[BigBen_UK]

Thank you both for the confirmation ! I'll get my rust cleaning gear out - I was hoping to not have to do the timing tape route as finding TDC accurately takes a bit of fiddling.

Our lake has just been closed (yesterday evening, luckily after a warm glassy session) owing to a blue-green algae bloom so perfect opportunity to do some maintenance really.