Timing marks for 1994 4.3 Vortec?

Hey all,

I just did some engine gasket work. When I put the distributor back in the engine "lopes" at idle and will stall.

I figured my timing is off.

I found that the DI connector is a tan wire with a black stripe and black connector under the passenger dash, behind the top of the carpet. I disconnected that as the "Sticker" directions in the engine compartment say.

But when I went to light up the crankshaft pulley, DAMNED if I couldn't see any @#(%* timing marks on the pulley.

Where are they? Someone help me out?

Did you mark the distributor in relation to the engine and the rotor to the distributor?


I will be putting in a nused distributor I got at the yard. I have all the marks on the old one an will transfer them to the nused in tomorrow. I guess I will have to get a timing light.

Did you mark the distributor in relation to the engine and the rotor to the distributor?


I will be putting in a nused distributor I got at the yard. I have all the marks on the old one an will transfer them to the nused in tomorrow. I guess I will have to get a timing light.


Yes I marked the rotor/distributor relationship. That is why I am close and hence it starts and runs albeit with the "loping"

So now I want to check the timing. I'm tempted to just go buy a digital timing light and forget the whole friggin crankshaft mark problem.

I can't believe that no one has ever asked about the timing marks before. What a PITA!

OK, If your distributor is set up correctly, and you can't see your timing mark when you shoot the timing. 9 times out of 10 your harmonic balancer has slipped. GM made them with a rubber gasket between the damper and the balancer. You can double check it by bring your number 1 piston to top dead center and check to see where your mark is. If its not at zero. Your harmonic balancer need to be replaced. Let us know what you find.

First I would like to thank you for finding the wire connector for me:)

Second, I believe people are saying that your timing might be off enough to put your mark out of the viewable window sight. It is advisable to crawl under your blazer and inspect the harmonic balancer (not the pully) for the timing mark, clean it up and mark it with chaulk or paint or something to make it stand out.

I don't get it, if the distributor was marked, you should be able to drop it in and the marks will line up.

OK Let me try again...

I can't find the timing scale.

I pulled the air manifold off so I can see down to the crankshaft pulley.

I still have a lot of stuff in the way: the belt, the other pulleys, the waterpump, the fan...

I can't see the timing scale next to the crankshaft pulley that I should be able to see in my experience timing other vehicles.

NOW can someone clue me in?

Ok, On my "94" Blazer I just remove the air in take and filter, Then timing scale is visible by looking down in front of the alternator. I’m not to sure if the Jimmy’s are the same way. It should be almost the same as Chevy. Hope this helps.