So trying set my ignition timing on my 1999 dodge ram 1500 3.9l v6. So do to my research your suppose to like up the v6 marker on the homolic balancer to TDC, but mines only shows the V8 and ATC. Which one should I use or should I just TDC it too 0?

 

If your balancer has a V-8 marker, it ain't the right one for your engine.....

In any event, you can use that mark to set initial timing. Need a good scan tool to get it dialed in though.

 

Okay so the idiot that had this engine before probably placed the wrong harmonic balancer on who I bought it off was used engine was basically just for temp engine until I rebuild the original one I have for it. What can I do?

 

Well, so far as I know, the 3.9 is internally balanced, so, the harmonic balancer *should* be neutral balance. If the one thats on there was from a 5.2, probably not an issue, if it was from a 5.9 though, that WILL be a problem. Try it with the one on there, and if you get really rude vibrations from the engine, swap it out.

 

The one I've got now was told came from a 3.9 pickup too that it only had 170k miles on it. If I set it on the V8 marker would I have too pull the distributor out or no? Should the rotor be pointing to cylinder #1 spark plug or #1 on the distributor? Clockwise is to retard and counter clockwise is too advanced it?

 

Turning the distributor doesn't effect ignition timing. It does effect injector timing though. If you haven't had any of it out/apart, then just leave it alone, and it should be good. If you HAVE had it apart, follow the procedure for Distributor replacement in the service manual. That will get you close enough that it should run decent.

 

So with placed on "0" at TDC shouldn't it show at TDC once you start it and place a timing light on it?

 

Take out the #1 spark plug, put a long 1/4 in extension or screwdriver in it, bring piston to the top by watching the extension/screwdriver to where it stops then begins to go down again, keep an eye on it, want it at top most position, take off distributor cap and make sure the rotor is pointed at 1 on the sensor plate, balancer is keyed so line that up with the keyway slot on crank, can only go on one way. Then check timing marks for cam, and install chain…..it’s really quite simple

 

keep in mind that the outer ring on the balencer has been known to move so even if you set it to TDC it may not say that on the balencer. And if you didn't remove or move the position of the distributor and the engine is running find leave it. Timing is done by the pcm moving the distributor is going to change the fuel sync.

 

THE ONLY way you set the ignition timing is through the PCM with the appropriate scanner, not something you can buy at a parts store. Toss you timing light back in the tool box.