[lefthandedrake]

This is my first experience working on a classic Mustang, so I have no idea if what I am seeing is "correct"

I've a 67 coupe. Originally a 289 with AC & power steering. The engine was replaced long ago with a 302 long block. Everything else, as far as I am aware, is from the original 289. The timing pointer is on the passenger side, which seems correct., the numbers line up. The timing pointer is almost completely obscured by the lower hose on the water pump as well as the alternator bracket. I don't see how I would be able to aim a timing light at the pointer in any way.

Am I missing something or is this just the way it is?

 

[Cobrajet67]

Pics of your engine and engine compartment would be helpful.
The timing pointer would usually be on the driver side for most of the 1967 289s with the exception of maybe the K code and Shelbys but I'm not sure about those. Apparently, the 302 didn't use all the stuff from the original 289 like you thought.
1967 289 engines with varying factory accessories(with and without power steering, smog pump):

timing a 1967 mustang 289 (part 1) - YouTube

 

[lefthandedrake]

I certainly could be wrong about using all the stuff from the 289. The 302 would have been put in the car sometime around 1987-88, and was only driven for a year or so (was last registered in 1989). After that that, the car sat for decades in various locations, one of those being a dirt field at my father-in-laws house. Unfortunately my father-in-law wont be able to answer any questions regarding the details, as his memory is failing.

There definitely was no timing pointer on the drivers side. It was on the passenger side, bottom two bolts of the timing cover.

I guess the question would be where should the timing pointer be located on a 69 302 engine.

I've been digging (googling) around a bit, I'm finding Ford apparently put the timing mark in different positions depending on where the water pump inlet is located. So it looks like the timing pointer should be on the drivers side, as the WP inlet on mine is on the passenger side.

Fortunately, I ordered a timing pointer along with the timing chain cover, water pump, etc.

Figured it out, confirmed #1 TDC.

Thank you for the info

 

[Cobrajet67]

I certainly could be wrong about using all the stuff from the 289. The 302 would have been put in the car sometime around 1987-88, and was only driven for a year or so (was last registered in 1989). After that that, the car sat for decades in various locations, one of those being a dirt field at my father-in-laws house. Unfortunately my father-in-law wont be able to answer any questions regarding the details, as his memory is failing.

There definitely was no timing pointer on the drivers side. It was on the passenger side, bottom two bolts of the timing cover.

I guess the question would be where should the timing pointer be located on a 69 302 engine.

I've been digging (googling) around a bit, I'm finding Ford apparently put the timing mark in different positions depending on where the water pump inlet is located. So it looks like the timing pointer should be on the drivers side, as the WP inlet on mine is on the passenger side.

View attachment 793740 View attachment 793741 View attachment 793742

Later 302s(after 1970) with a 4 bolt balancer puller usually had the passenger side pointer. It would depend on your balancer timing marks which depends on cylinder #1 TDC. It would have been dictated at the factory by which side the water pump inlet faced. Up until 1970 with a 3 bolt balancer pulley, the pointer would have been on the driver side and usually would be a protruding post with a raised line that was cast onto the timing cover itself.
Discussed here: 66 289 timing & pointer help | Vintage Mustang Forums (vintage-mustang.com)
Are the pics of the cleaned up and/or new parts the same engine or online pics?
The pics of the old untouched stuff shows that you still have all the brackets for the A/C and smog pump on the engine. I can tell that the water pump is an aftermarket replacement probably from an auto parts store.

 

[lefthandedrake]

Later 302s(after 1970) with a 4 bolt balancer puller usually had the passenger side pointer. It would depend on your balancer timing marks which depends on cylinder #1 TDC. It would have been dictated at the factory by which side the water pump inlet faced. Up until 1970 with a 3 bolt balancer pulley, the pointer would have been on the driver side and usually would be a protruding post with a raised line that was cast onto the timing cover itself.
Discussed here: 66 289 timing & pointer help | Vintage Mustang Forums (vintage-mustang.com)
Are the pics of the cleaned up and/or new parts the same engine or online pics?
The pics of the old untouched stuff shows that you still have all the brackets for the A/C and smog pump on the engine. I can tell that the water pump is an aftermarket replacement probably from an auto parts store.

The pics are all of my engine, before & after replacing the water pump & timing chain cover, along with cleaning and painting the pulleys, brackets etc.. The water pump was heavily corroded, I replaced it with a Milodon pump. After I was able to finally remote the water pump (VERY rusty bolts that required lots of PB blaster, heat, and patience to remove, I found the mating surface of the timing chain cover was damaged, thus the very rusty bolts, so that got replaced as well.

Thanks for the additional info on timing pointer locations. Good to know.