Timing question
- Thread starter joekan
- Start date
It is the bolt under the distributor that tightens the distributor hold down. Loosen the bolt and turn the distributor so that the timing is where you want it and then tighten the bolt again.
It doesn't do any good on the newer vehicles as the computer will over ride the adjustment if it can. You also may need a distributor wrench to get to the bolt, it is an offset wrench with a 1/2 on one end and a 9/16 on the other, it is made to get under the distributor.
It doesn't do any good on the newer vehicles as the computer will over ride the adjustment if it can. You also may need a distributor wrench to get to the bolt, it is an offset wrench with a 1/2 on one end and a 9/16 on the other, it is made to get under the distributor.
also one may need a timing light to read where the timing is, on the front pulley coming out of the engine, there is a line on it that is to align with what is called top dead center, and on the block there should be gage that normally is saw toothed in look, and on it there is numbers of before top dead center, (timing light strobes on the number one cylinder and make the pulley look like it is standing still so one can see where the timing is set)
it is usually easer to find the timing mark and then highlight with white chalk, and then one can see it easer, when adjusting the distributer, it does not take much movement to make the adjustments,
and this reading is off what is called the number one cylinder, usually the manifold is numbered, I think it is on the drivers side front, on a Chevy 350 been a while since I have done it,
some times one needs to plug the advance vacuum hoses to accurate set it as there are mechanical advance and vacuum advance so one need to use the rated RPM, and procedures to set accurately,
If you have a good ear some can set it by ear,
it is usually easer to find the timing mark and then highlight with white chalk, and then one can see it easer, when adjusting the distributer, it does not take much movement to make the adjustments,
and this reading is off what is called the number one cylinder, usually the manifold is numbered, I think it is on the drivers side front, on a Chevy 350 been a while since I have done it,
some times one needs to plug the advance vacuum hoses to accurate set it as there are mechanical advance and vacuum advance so one need to use the rated RPM, and procedures to set accurately,
If you have a good ear some can set it by ear,
tech
Veteran Member
Late models use cam offset instead of "ignition timing," requiring a scanner to adjust. Can't use a timing light to set it, as there is no timing mark. If your distributor cap is flat with the wires coming off of the sides, you'll likely need to go this route.
Spec is 0 degrees, +/- 2 degrees, engine at normal operating temp, at idle.
Spec is 0 degrees, +/- 2 degrees, engine at normal operating temp, at idle.