engine and drivetrain Timing - no window?

[grotflo]

Hi all,

 

I'm still pretty new to these cars, so I decided to learn how things work by getting my hands dirty.  A few things on the list include rebuilding the carb, adjusting the valves, and setting the timing.  After researching on the forums how to set the timing, I came across this image:

 

 

That's where I'm supposed to have a window to see the ball bearing on the flywheel, right?  Well, here's my transmission tunnel - unless I'm looking in the wrong spot, I don't seem to have one.

 

 

 

 

My car is a 1975 (built in November of '74) that started life as an automatic.  At some point it was converted to a 4-speed manual, so the transmission isn't original.  I'm not sure what model it's from.  I know that window isn't critical to set the timing, but it got me wondering what the deal is with my car.  Any experts want to chime in?

Much appreciated!

Garrett

[M3M3]

you answered your own question.  it was converted with an unknown tranny from some other car.  have you got the car in the air and looked at the tranny for identifying marks?

[arminyack]

I don't even use a timing light on my car...I just advance it until I hear pinging when I drive up a hill near my house (which also has a cinder block wall on one side, which aids in hearing the pinging). Once I have advanced to the point where i hear pinging, I retard back a lil bit, and recheck for pinging. I suppose a timing light would help in seeing where you are at advance-wise once finished, then using that as a reference for future use if a good hill isn't nearby

[grotflo]

It hasn't been on a lift yet, so I'm not sure about the model of transmission. I guess I just assumed that all the trannies that mate to the M10 engine would have that window. Since it doesn't, would that make my transmission from a later model car?

[Hans]

see if there is a pin on the front timing case. Otherwise you may need to make one to do timing off front pulley. You may be able to use one of those fancy timing lights = I still haven't figured out how they work

Edited March 5, 2015 by Hans

[Guy Cocquyt]

You should find timing marks on thr lower front pulley that line up with the pin Hans referred to on the timing cover. Line up OT with the pin and #1 cylinder should be at the top of it's stroke. Check Chillton's or Haynes manual for step by step process (and you neef a timing light to do a dynamic advance).

[Hans]

See if you have a marker pin on the front.