I can't see the timing mark on my balancer when using my timing light and I'm wondering if something's installed incorrectly or if I'm just missing something obvious here. I can only see the mark when I set my timing light to the random flashlight setting but when it's strobing the mark is nowhere to be found...any ideas?

What engine do you have?
Does it seem to be running good the way it is?
Do you have everything set up according to the manual and the emissions sticker?
Do you have the light on number 1 cylinder(Drivers side, plug closest to front). If so check the harmonic balancer for slippage.

Sounds like someone put on a balancer that fit, but has the timing mark in the wrong place. Short of replacement, here's the cure.

Crank it around to near TDC on #1 cylinder, with the #1 plug removed. Using a socket on the crank bolt, stick a long skinny screwdriver into the #1 spark plug hole CAREFULLY!!! and crank it by hand til the piston is exactly at TDC. If the timing mark on the balancer cannot be seen now, then you have to make a new one (piece of hacksaw blade will work) or put on a timimg tape with the marks at the correct TDC.

:poke:

EK, I put whiteout on my marks so it's easy to see. But like Keyser says, always verify TDC. I do that on my motors with a piston stop and degree wheel. Luck, Dale

Here's how to do it without using a timing light. Set it up like you were using a light (unplug/disconnect anything you may need to), then hold the brakes and rev it up to about 1800-2000 rpm (power brake it). You wanna advance it until it just starts to ping/rattle under load like this, then back it off just a hair. This will put you within 1-2* of the correct timing every time.

:poke:

Yeah, that method works quite good. Next best thing to a knock sensor.