How Do I Set Timing?

[71Longbed]

Hello i want to set my timing up the right way ive been doing it the lazy way i want to do the right way wut i did was just set the crank at zero and the check the rotor position and and change the firing order to make the rotor pointer cylynder 1 the just set the timing by ear how do i set it the right way?

[1972C10]

What i do is remove the vaccum line from the distributor I put it on the air cleaner stud to block it off hook up a timing light on the number 1 cylinder.

with the engine running heated up and at the proper idle speed depress the trigger of the timing light and aim it at the harmonic balancer/timing marks

I dont know what kinda motor you have but set it around 6-8 degree.

[Blue Beard]

Originally Posted by 71Longbed

Hello i want to set my timing up the right way ive been doing it the lazy way i want to do the right way wut i did was just set the crank at zero and the check the rotor position and and change the firing order to make the rotor pointer cylynder 1 the just set the timing by ear how do i set it the right way?

If you do it this way....be sure to pull number one plug and feel for the compression.

You could end up with the exhaust stroke and be 180 degrees off on the timing.

[71Longbed]

i dont want to do it the way i do it i know theres a right way to do do i go about setting it the right way ? i know that not only 2 people know about setting timming plz help me im only 18 im not a mechanic here im trying to get this baby running so i can take her to the body shop on tuesday

[71Longbed]

i forgot to mention im dropping a new distributor i want to know when im dropping the new distributor ho w can i time it?

[1972C10]

are you talking about setting the timing with the engine running or setting the timing for a new distributor?

the way i do wich can be wrong if the timing chain has slack or balancer has sliped is put the balancer mark on 0 and drop in the distributor. then start the engine after you get it close and set it with a timing light.

[SWINGSAX68]

If the distributer is removed here is how I do it. but you can do it with the dist in as well just unplug the BAT terminal wire on the dist. this is to get you in the ball park then you use the timing light(which I have never used before, i just use this method that a mechanic taught me and I set it by ear...)

1. remove cylinder 1 plug.(looking from front of engine, first plug on the right side)

2. Run a jumper wire/push switch from your starter wire to the pos battery terminal. if you just have a long peice of wire, do not attach it the positive terminal, you will have to jab it on and off the positive post(SEE NUMBER 4)

3. use your thumb or pointer finger to plug the #1 plug hole about 3/4 of the way.

4. Jump the starter by useing the switch or tapping the battery with the wire end until the starter engages(dont worry the truck will not fire up as long you have unplugged the BAT terminal wire or the dist is out) while plugging up cylinder one. Keep jumping with short clicks of the switch or jabs with the wire until you feel and hear the compression on cylinder one escaping from the partially covered plug hole. you will feel it sucking at first....the compression (escaping air) will indicate that cylinder one is all the way to the top TDC (top dead center) Thats were you want it. It will show the mark on the harmonic balancer to line right up to or around the "0" mark. should you have the little marker.

5. remove the distributer and/or put it back on with the vacum advance to the left. You will have to get the gear on the dist to sit in the cam with the rotor pointing towards you at about 4:30 O'Clock, this will be #1 terminal on the cap and for the fireing order. This might take a bit of work. You may have to use a long flat screw driver to adjust the oil pump position to get the rotor in this spot. leave the dist hold down a bit loose.

6. After all this is set, replace the wire set using the fireing order....do one wire at a time....don't rush. crank it with jumper or switch.....be clear of the fan!!!! cause it should just fire up. if not,turn the dist base counter clock wise or clock wise a tiny bit at a time until you get it to fire up. DONT TURN IT CLOCK WISE TOO MUCH IT WILL BACK FIRE. the point of this it to get the timeing of the rotor and cylinder one to line up the the #1 terminal on the cap. this will get you in the game, then use a timing light or take it to a mechanic to check the timeng for you.

It is really a lot more simple then this whole post of mine looks. All this type is really too wordy i know. If I could, I would go over were ever you are and show you...LOL.....good luck.

[SWINGSAX68]

if i forgot something let me know someone.