How do I set my Timing....

[CenValyCali]

Not sure how I would go about setting my timing. I've seen people loosen the screw that's holding the distributor and turn the head until they find the spot but that's as far as my knowledge goes I've got access to a timing light and tools. Help me. Thanks

o yeah it's a 1983 chevy 1/2 ton with a 305. It's a California truck so smog is a issue. Thanks

[85Bowtie]

Crack open the bolt for your distributer hold down, hook your timing light into the #1 plug wire, aim the light at the timing tabs on the front of the motor and set it to 4-6 deg BTDC. I usually just do it by ear, basically you rev the engine up to 2K or so and turn it until it "sounds" the strongest. Of course it takes getting a feel, and sound, for it.

[Malo83]

I have an 83 with the 305, the only way to time it correctly is to disconnect the 4 wire plug coming off the distributer to bypass the computer and time it to 8 deg BTDC as was stated above, once she's timed reconnect the 4 wire plug

[CenValyCali]

Thanks malo and bowtie. Nice truck by the way. I'm sending you a pm now....

[RandyP]

Originally Posted by 85Bowtie

Crack open the bolt for your distributer hold down, hook your timing light into the #1 plug wire, aim the light at the timing tabs on the front of the motor and set it to 4-6 deg BTDC. I usually just do it by ear, basically you rev the engine up to 2K or so and turn it until it "sounds" the strongest. Of course it takes getting a feel, and sound, for it.

I thought not only were you supposed to have the rpm up around 2k, but the engine was supposed to be under load. Seems I always seen the mechanics do it with it in gear, holding the brake and rev'ing it up to the rpm range, two man job of course.
I wouldn't even know where to begin to try and set the timing, just seems that is always what I seen back in the 80's.

[85Bowtie]

They're probably setting the total timing. That's why I do it by ear. Basically they set a light to strobe in a different sequence (due to the higher rpm) and set it to something like 20 deg or in that neighborhood. You can do it yourself by setting the idle high with a screwdriver and checking it on your tach, if you have one.

The initial timing is what you set with you're vaccum advance plugged (forgot to tell you that), and at idle. It's usually given on your emissions decal on the radiator support.

[C10Silverado79]

Originally Posted by 85Bowtie

They're probably setting the total timing. That's why I do it by ear. Basically they set a light to strobe in a different sequence (due to the higher rpm) and set it to something like 20 deg or in that neighborhood. You can do it yourself by setting the idle high with a screwdriver and checking it on your tach, if you have one.

The initial timing is what you set with you're vaccum advance plugged (forgot to tell you that), and at idle. It's usually given on your emissions decal on the radiator support.

If your setting the timing at a higher RPM do you have the vacuum advance connected or disconnected?

[CenValyCali]

Ok I went to smog the truck today and it failed. It was the timing Went and fixed it but When we took it back it failed again. TIMING So he set the timing for me and it passed

I'm very excited that it passed. Looks like I got some eagle alloys and a phantom Grill for 50.00 bucks also. What a come up. Thanks everyone.

[phattailrider]

OK ... I have an '87 305 that calls for TDC timing .
And i can't locate the bypass wire (Tan /w-Black Stripe)

Is there anything different from the procedures ya'll posted above that
i should consider ?

Thanks !
Phattailrider

[westofb]

Originally Posted by phattailrider

OK ... I have an '87 305 that calls for TDC timing .
And i can't locate the bypass wire (Tan /w-Black Stripe)

Is there anything different from the procedures ya'll posted above that
i should consider ?

Thanks !
Phattailrider

The bypass wire should be near the distributor, it is usally a single wire that is hanging outside the wiring loom with a plastic connector on it so it can be unplugged. It should be the only thing in that area that has a single wire connector, it could be above the distributor on the fire wall.