timing marker under engine

I recently purchased an '86 360 D150 automatic. I decided to check the timing, and couldn't find the timing marker to match up with the damper. Eventually I found the marker plate with the magnetic tube on the underside of the engine. Is this someone's "fix?" I noticed someone on another forum mentioned when a steering pump was changed it altered the timing plate location because of a different model pump. Is this the likely issue or is this plate supposed to be on the underside of the car....? tnx psg

do you know if motor is original to truck? seems like i remember vans having that setup as you could not get to/see timing tab.

I made a set-up similar to that for my Satellite because all of the turbocharger plumbing which made seeing the stock pointer impossible. Made the pointer from sheet metal,and it bolts under two of the front oil pan bolts. Re marked the balancer with new marks after verifying T.D.C., and it works fine. If you intend to use your current marker, DO NOT trust it until you verify the accuracy of the T.D.C. mark. If it is correct it will work as well as a pointer/mark on the top, just not as handy to get to.

I had presumed that it was but now I am wondering as there are a few other things in the engine compartment that had me wondering.

So do you lay on the floor... no lift... with the strobe to set the timing?

I did a VIN check and the truck was delivered with a 360.

But maybe not THAT 360

Yes. Jack it up and put it on stands, and use the light as usual from below. It's a pain once, but how often are you going to set it?

Yeah, that is always a possibility.

Just wondering if there were other options. Tnx for the assistance and resource. psg

As far as I know your motor still has timing marks on the cover along with damper markings to time the motor. Might be hard to see but all the ones I have seen were doable,

I've never seen the pickup tube mounted so it was accessible only from the bottom. Doesn't sound kosher.

pic from my 1986 factory dodge truck service manual. sorry it is sideways. damn phone.

That's for the magnetic pickup timing meter. It was needed with the smog pump and PS pump.

Again there is still the timing cover marks and the balancer marks you can use to time it. Clean and mark them and there is a way to see them and time it. Best to have a helper and let him turn the distributor so you can keep your eyes on the marks. We did it all the time. Forget about the tin probe bracket and remove it and deep six it.

someone asked earlier whether correct engine. that is why i posted pic. fsm shows equipped with both ways.