Chrysler timing tool

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 3, 2002
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749
I've got a 1970 55 hp Chrysler Model 554HA. The Chiltons manual I have states that there is a tool for timing the 35-55 engines. The part no. is TA-2937(Chrysler tool). Has anyone heard of this tool and if they still exist in the market.
 

norman158

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 29, 2001
Messages
329
Re: Chrysler timing tool

i have heard of it, but i think they are far and few between.if you find a sorce for them let us know
 

sag2

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Jun 25, 2002
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Re: Chrysler timing tool

Got one in my hand. I purchased it about 20 years ago when I had my first Chrysler. It threads into the spark plug hole, and is marked for the different engines so you can set the timing when the piston is a certain number of degrees before TDC. Never got rid of it because it is very handy for setting the piston at TDC and checking the timing tab on the flywheel.
 

sag2

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Jun 25, 2002
Messages
33
Re: Chrysler timing tool

I measured the two lines on the rod of the tool. It is .300 from TDC on your engine. (25-55 HP) If you had an accurate caliper you could use it in place of the tool. Set piston to TDC, then back it off .300 of piston travel BTDC. If I remember correctly, that is where you set the points to open. The service manual should tell you. <br />For the 70 HP and up Chrysler's, the measurement is .355 as the tool is used for multiple engines. I measured these with a caliper. I didn't use a dial indicator, but then again, you set the two marks by sight with the tool, so I'm sure each time you set it it is a little bit different.
 

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 3, 2002
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749
Re: Chrysler timing tool

Thanks Sag2.Do you think I might be able to use an outside micrometer.If not, I have a drawing of the tool in the manual.I could probably even make something up now that I have that dimension you posted.
 

sag2

Seaman Apprentice
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Jun 25, 2002
Messages
33
Re: Chrysler timing tool

No the outside micromometer won't work. You should be able to pick up an inexpensive dial caliper for under $20.00. I think I paid at least $10.00 for the tool over 20 years ago, so the caliper is now just as cheap as the tool and you can always use one around the garage.<br />Check at Sears, or try Harborfreight.com for really cheap stuff. I think they sell a dial indicator for less than $10.00 on sale. Not sure how accurate it would be, but for this job it would be fine as long as the plunger was long enough to hit the piston. Just don't use it to true your crankshaft!
 

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Chrysler timing tool

Hey sag2. bought a 2 inch dial indicator from Harborfreight last night. Waiting for it to arrive. Once I check the timing,I can go on to other problems with the engine.
 

dmessy

Chief Petty Officer
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Jul 8, 2001
Messages
505
Re: Chrysler timing tool

I've knocked the ceramic out of an old sparkplug and used a dial indicator through the opening with sucess.
 

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 3, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Chrysler timing tool

I've got a few old L4Js I can do that with
 
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