backyard timing advice - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shelby987 · 07-28-2006, 10:51 AM

I can't find my timing gun, just moved, never used the thing, and its missing, my question is this, I have been told to bring my 250 from 4btdc to advanced 10-12 degree, should I go buy a new timing gun, or can I do this by ear with the "listen for the ping" method.
Also, and this should be an easy question, advance is clockwise?

67ChevyRedneck · 07-28-2006, 11:01 AM

Advance is counter-clockwise, retard is clockwise, (at least on a V-8, I'm assuming a six banger is the same?) I'd try the cheap method first, if that ain't workin for ya, get the timin' gun.

SB406 · 07-28-2006, 11:19 AM

There is another way I've heard about.....

Bring the engine around to #1 at TDC.
Then, manually line up the timing mark on the crank to the desired spot on the tab (say 10 degrees BTDC).
Now, mark the position of the center of the #1 plug wire post on the base of the distributor exactly.
Pull the distributor cap & loosen up the distributor base.
Move the distributor base to line up your mark with the rotor.
Timing is now set at 10 degrees BTDC

I've heard of guys initially setting the timing on a new motor this way, but I've never actually tried it myself. A timing light is a wonderful thing.

07-28-2006, 11:01 AM	#2
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: backyard timing advice Advance is counter-clockwise, retard is clockwise, (at least on a V-8, I'm assuming a six banger is the same?) I'd try the cheap method first, if that ain't workin for ya, get the timin' gun. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 07-28-2006 at 11:05 AM.

07-28-2006, 11:19 AM	#3
SB406 FORD is a 4 letter word. Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Western NY Posts: 99	Re: backyard timing advice There is another way I've heard about..... Bring the engine around to #1 at TDC. Then, manually line up the timing mark on the crank to the desired spot on the tab (say 10 degrees BTDC). Now, mark the position of the center of the #1 plug wire post on the base of the distributor exactly. Pull the distributor cap & loosen up the distributor base. Move the distributor base to line up your mark with the rotor. Timing is now set at 10 degrees BTDC I've heard of guys initially setting the timing on a new motor this way, but I've never actually tried it myself. A timing light is a wonderful thing. __________________ '71 406 GMC Short Box Fleetside - Daily Driver '79 350 Chevy K-5 Blazer - On-going Project (Mudder)www.wnyoffroad.com '58 LT1 Chevy Short Box Step Side - Next Project

07-28-2006, 10:51 AM	#1
shelby987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Just outside Durham, NC Posts: 894	backyard timing advice I can't find my timing gun, just moved, never used the thing, and its missing, my question is this, I have been told to bring my 250 from 4btdc to advanced 10-12 degree, should I go buy a new timing gun, or can I do this by ear with the "listen for the ping" method. Also, and this should be an easy question, advance is clockwise? __________________ 1969 SS 350 Camaro Sold 2008 1970 3/4T K20, stock height with 33's, 250 I6, 3 on the tree, and locked front and rear 4.10's 1980 Chevy Malibu 2 dr Sold 2007 1993 Olds. Cutlass Ciera Wagon Traded 2006 2003 Saturn L200 w/5pd. D/D My list spans 5 decades with One common thread.....GM!



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