timing issue?

[2ltrv8eatr]

well i have been trying to figure this out for a while now. My crank timing plate (the one behind the sprocket) does not point anywhere near the mark it is supposed to. I have tried flipping it but it is completly in the wrong direction. I'm wondering if different year engine's came with different marks for timing the crank for TDC and i happen to have a combo of each. Anyways i lined up my crank according to the crank pulley igntion timing mark and the T on the timing cover but this does not put the piston at TDC, atleast according to a caliper mounted in the spark plug hole. I have tried it both ways and when timed according to the igntion timing cover my car will spurt and blow compression out the exhaust, mostly at low throttle. I don't think it did this when i had it timed to the caliper and it actually ran good but it didn't start jerking and losing compression until 20 min into my drive so maybe i avoided it. I am wondering if this sounds like an issue to do with timing or something else?

P.S i have timed a few other 4g's without a problem so i know how to line up the marks, i just can't due to the fact that there isn't one!

 

[snowborder714]

So, assuming you still have the stock 1g 7 bolt, your timing mark from the trigger plate should be at 10 or 11 o'clock. When the engine is at TDC (easy to find out by pulling cylinder 1 or 4 spark plug), your timing marks should line up. Also, the timing mark on the harmonic dampener should line up with the 0 on the timing belt cover. Then, when firing a timing light at the harmonic dampener mark (while the engine is running) it should like up with the small line between 0 and 10 on the timing belt cover. If you can't get it to line up just after mounting it or using a timing light, your harmonic dampener probably spun on you (separated, but didn't actually separate). Also, make sure you're mounting the harmonic dampener correct. When mounted at TDC, the guide pin should be at 3 o'clock.