340 Cuda timing marks

[Stetch1]

My brother needs a little help with his 70 cuda. He's having trouble finding the timing mark on the block. The 340 is pumped to 500hp and is running hot. He thinks the timing is off but man that thing sounds great at idle. He told me he found the ballancer mark on the passenger side when he lights it up with the timing light. Is there a pin or flag missing? Any and all help would be appreciated. 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

There should be some scale on the block to measure the timing. I guess his is missing??? It looks like some type of plate. If the car idles well, maybe the problem is something else. Can you give us a little history on the engine? Is this a new problem? Is this a newly rebuilt engine? Do you know what size radiator is in there(22, or 26 inch)? Does it run hot in traffic, or out on the highway? I'm just trying to help narrow the problem a little. 

   Mike

[matt63]

The timing marks are cast into the timing chain cover on the driver's side right.  The damper should at least have one line on it and perhaps other timing marks if it is an aftermarket unit.

[Got JOB]

Early model small blocks had the timing chain covers with the timing marks cast on the passenger side. You could have a late model timing cover and early model balancer on the motor.

[Chryco Psycho]

this is exactly why I time by ear , no light

[Stetch1]

Thanks all for the info, here is some more of what he told me. Its a four core radiater, waters is running through just fine he has two electric fans behind it. He bought the car about 18 mounths ago from a friend who did the rebuild.I have been in the car and it goes no hesitation just flat out flies. He said it gets hot idling on warm days 75-80. How do you differentiate between early and late small blocks? I will talk to him about all these things heck I will tell him to join this site and give you guys his story. Again thanks, Still hunting for my Chally.  I had 2 (70slant6, 71 383mag) at one time.

[Stetch1]

Ok here is some more info Cal my brother told me his motor was manufactured in 68. He knows that the timing mark on the block should be on the pass sidewhat he doesnt know for sure is if thewre was a bolt on pointer or a tag mounted on the block. Does anybody khow? Amnd where can he get the right
(part)?

Fred

PS (username)there should of been an r after the first t good thing i didnt put an n in front of the second

[4Cruizn]

Stetch1  . . . curious why you are now a guest??  If you need assistance, please let a MOD/ADMIN know!   Welcome (I think) to the site!   

[stretch1]

As I said in my last reply I mistyped my sign in name so I dumped the old one and typed it in correctly this time. 

[Got JOB]

Here is a picture of a timing chain cover for a 71  340. The area painted white is the casting of the timing marks.

[stretch1]

Thanks for the pic "got job". Does an earlier 68 340 use the same cover?

[Mopar73340]

The 68-69 should have the marks on the passenger side of the cover.

[Bullitt-]

  shot in the dark, make sure he is running a thermostat, I've always heard that w/o t'stat coolant runs thru the radiator so fast it doesn't have a chance to cool down and this shows up at idle worse for some reason I'm not sure of