Incorrect timing on pulley of 53' Mercury

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by JSeery

I have run across dampers that have slipped relative to the keyway. But that is due to a rubber section between the outer and inter parts of the damper. Not sure I see how that could happen on a flathead solid metal pulley.

At this point not sure it matters if you have a true TDC mark to work with, 59a and earlier engines do not have a timing indicator on the pulley and get along fine for timing once TDC is found and marked.

Unless a small piece is broken out of the pulley that goes over the key. These pulleys have a tendency to break. If you notice, the part of the pulley that goes over the key is thinner. That may work when you are driving water pumps, fan and generator, but add a power steering pump and the the load may become too much for only 1/4" of the key to power it. I didn't have to pull the timing cover to see this.