Timing marks on 460

[Lt46]

OK guys, I'm at my wits end, I've been all over the top of my 1997 Winnebago w/ 460 and simply can not see where to aim my timing light. There are so many obstructions, hoses, belt, pulleys including the doghouse.
Are there marks visible from the side or bottom? If bottom, is # 1 plug still my connection point for light?
I found the SPOUT connector after much searching but the timing marks????
Also, loosened the hold down bolt for the distributor but distributor won't move. Seems like the shaft is frozen, so it is soaking in PB Blaster as we speak. Any other ideas shouls this soaking not work?
I'm going through all of this due to a periodic backfire through the intake which I believe is due to a lean running condition. My first thought was to check timing.

[subford]

I wanted to check the timing on mine and had the same problem.
What I did was squeeze up through the passenger wheel until with a flash light I could see the timing pointer and the crank pulley. Then I had my DW turn the crank with a large ratchet very slow until I could see the pointer pointing at 10* BTDC.
I then using a straight edge and a small touch up paint brush (white) and marked the bottom of the fan shroud and pulley.
I then removed the SPOUT, hooked the timing light to #1 spark plug wire, started the engine and laid under the front with the timing light to see if the white marks lined up.
They did so I put the SPOUT back in and looked again to make sure the marks have now moved, they did so I was done.

They do sell slide hammer distributor pullers but I do not think that would help you brake the "O" ring loose to get it to move.
Not sure what you could use to make "O" rings give up the grip.
I hope this helps.





/

[Lt46]

Subford,
You certainly know your way around the 460 engine!!! Thankyou, the information and pictures you provide have been extremely helpful.
Now, if I can just solve this popping in the intake I'll be a happy camper.
Again, Thanks

[Lt46]

Update,
Well, it has taken awhile to go through all the possibilities for why I'm hearing the pop,pop,pop from the engine upon deceleration. The problem was such when I revv'd the engine and upon returning to idle, I'd hear a popping sound from the right side, near the newly installed headers. I've retorqued the headers (no leaks) I've checked timing (good) I've watched for crossfire in the dark (nothing) I've repaired critter chewed vacuum lines and wiring (no change) and today I decided to pull the plugs on the affected side. Lo and behold I find a plug cracked within the plug boot. The 1st 2 plugs-n-boots looked awesome but the 3rd came apart as I removed the boot. Ceramic still inside the boot. AhHa I say.
There was some heat stress visible on the boot so, replaced 4 plugs and wires and added heat shield boot protectors to all. No more pop, pop, pop
Can you see the smile on my face from where you are?
FYI- OEM had a metal heat shield in place with the old manifolds but they were usuable after the header install. No worries anymore.