I have a 440 I bought currently has an MSD 6AL Ignition & Distributor (Mech. Adv.) it has an aftermarket small Harmonic Balancer on it with stock Timing tab that's some distance away from the Balancer, the balancer has Timing tape on it that someone has marked it. I try with a timing light but the mark that on the balancer I can't even see but the engine seems to run pretty good. The engine is in the car would like not to have to go thru a degree wheel method really short on space. It seems with an MSD I can't use the old points method. Is their Any easy way to set the timing?

 

Easy.

1...Get/ make/ obtain a piston stop. The ones you buy are 'shakey,' pun intended. You need to get a lock nut onto them to stiffen up the plunger so it cannot move.

Google how to use them.

https://www.google.com/search?q=tdc,...w=1138&bih=511

You DO NOT NEED a degree wheel. Rotate the engine until it stops and mark the balancer. Rotate the other direction and when it stops make a second mark. True TDC is halfway between those two marks

Timing lights: Some timing lights won't work on MSD. Google it. You want an older light with NO dial back function

 

I agree... Start with finding the TDC.

 

Suggested to use analog not electronic dial back timing light.

 

The early and later BB used a different timing mark setup depending on if the lower rad hose was on the left or right side. You may have a mismatch