Mag Timing

In most cases, the decal that's attached to the fiber timing gear is missing that shows the "A" & "C" for the internal timing. Sometimes, if you put a little dab of motor oil on that fiber gear, it will help in finding the "C" that's stamped in the fiber gear. Sometimes if you glassbead the fiber gear, that will show the "A" or "C" stamped into the fiber gear. I know not everyone owns a glassbeader, but that is another way of finding the timing marks.If you do find the marks, you want to line up the "C" with the steel mainshaft gear. Now, the mainshaft could have a "Pip" mark (dimple) or a "dog ear" on the edge of one of the teeth on the gear. That's your line-up mark with the "C" on your fiber timing gear. Once both marks are found on both gears, mesh the two together and your internal timing is now set! Its a little tricky on the "J" series Mag being the fiber timing gear is located in the lower cover. On the improved "X" series Mag, F/M got smart and moved the fiber gear to the breaker plate with the mainshaft. Both gears are already meshed and timed without worrying about dropping the lower cover down correctly to mesh with the mainshaft gear as on the "J" Mag. The "X" series Mag wasn't around for to long anyway, cause' the along came the Delco Remy Distributor to replace the Mags. Make sure the gaskets are in good shape to keep moisture out of the unit. Mags don't like moisture inside of them... HTH

Steve@B&B

I got the mag timed but now I only have a strong spark on about every third rotation of the engine. What do I look for as to my problem guys?