n00b question: checking/adjusting timing - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ocbaud · 11-12-2002, 12:41 AM

yeah, i know NOTHING at all about timing, cept that i think my truck is a little high. i still have the esc if that matters, but i just need to check to see what it is, and what it should be set at. and i need to know how to change it if it is wrong

PHOENIX · 11-12-2002, 12:45 PM

To check your timing you will need a timing gun. Hook the gun to the battery like your supposed to (if it runs off battery). Then hook the lead to the #1 spark plug wire. Make sure the truck is warmed up completely. Disconnect the vacuum to the distr. Start the truck and point the light down at the damper (you know where right?) There should be a little gauge next to it that tells the the degrees of advance. I think most guys set theirs anywhere from 4 - 10. I think mine is around 6 or so (maybe even 8). Anyway to adjust the timing, loosen the bolt that hold the distr. down then slowly and slightly spin the distr. clockwise or counter clockwise to change the timing less and more. Spin it a little bit then check the timing. Just keep playing with it till you get it where you want. Take it for a drive and see how she acts. But be sure to tighten the distr bolt and hook back up the vacuum to the distr. Ohh yeah and take your timing gun off too

What Im not sure about is how to set the total advance. Can someone help here?

79BIG10 · 11-12-2002, 08:16 PM

Eric read this article from Swervin http://www.73-87.com/garage/101s.htm It helps alot.

ocbaud · 11-13-2002, 12:11 AM

how much is a timing light?

cause i've been putting 89 gas in usually, and i put a tank of 87 in tonight and it pings a little, the last time i put in a tank of 87 my truck kept diesling very badly and the last time it did it, i am pretty sure it messed up the timing.

i know i should be able to run 87 in my stock 305, so i'm sure my timing is to high

11-12-2002, 12:45 PM	#2
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	To check your timing you will need a timing gun. Hook the gun to the battery like your supposed to (if it runs off battery). Then hook the lead to the #1 spark plug wire. Make sure the truck is warmed up completely. Disconnect the vacuum to the distr. Start the truck and point the light down at the damper (you know where right?) There should be a little gauge next to it that tells the the degrees of advance. I think most guys set theirs anywhere from 4 - 10. I think mine is around 6 or so (maybe even 8). Anyway to adjust the timing, loosen the bolt that hold the distr. down then slowly and slightly spin the distr. clockwise or counter clockwise to change the timing less and more. Spin it a little bit then check the timing. Just keep playing with it till you get it where you want. Take it for a drive and see how she acts. But be sure to tighten the distr bolt and hook back up the vacuum to the distr. Ohh yeah and take your timing gun off too What Im not sure about is how to set the total advance. Can someone help here? __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

11-12-2002, 08:16 PM	#3
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	Eric read this article from Swervin http://www.73-87.com/garage/101s.htm It helps alot. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

11-12-2002, 12:41 AM	#1
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	n00b question: checking/adjusting timing yeah, i know NOTHING at all about timing, cept that i think my truck is a little high. i still have the esc if that matters, but i just need to check to see what it is, and what it should be set at. and i need to know how to change it if it is wrong

11-13-2002, 12:11 AM	#4
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	how much is a timing light? cause i've been putting 89 gas in usually, and i put a tank of 87 in tonight and it pings a little, the last time i put in a tank of 87 my truck kept diesling very badly and the last time it did it, i am pretty sure it messed up the timing. i know i should be able to run 87 in my stock 305, so i'm sure my timing is to high



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.