As others have said the engine will run but not nearly at its full potential. However, it would be worth the effort to verify that the timing mark on the balancer is at 0 when the engine's at TDC on #1 or #6, especially if the balancer's the 3-piece style. If the outer ring has slipped the 7 ATDC reading you're seeing isn't an indication of the true timing. How much do you know about the engine's history?
Brad O. > 1969 Chevelle with a 1967, 396 that I recently purchased. The timing calls > for 4 degrees BTDC which I was going to set to about 10 degrees BTDC. When I > went to check, it is set at 7 degrees ATDC. I thought that maybe my timing > light is not working right so I left it alone for now. It runs well with a > bit of hesitation after it shifts at full throtle. If it is right would the > car even run at 7 degrees ATDC or should I be looking for another problem.
