Timing Question

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Jun 17, 2002 | 09:57 AM

steveelsbury

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From: Brentwood Essex

Timing Question

Hi Guys,

I'm trying to set my base timing, and see that the manual recommends running the engine at 2000 rpm to set the timing. Having disconnected the advance wire from the distributor, I expected to see no advance as revs increase, but when the rpms pass about 1500, I see a 10 degree jump in advance. If I set 6 degrees BTDC at 2000, the car will not idle!

Can anyone tell me what is going on here?

Thanks, Steve

Jun 17, 2002 | 12:11 PM

Hendej

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From: Crystal Lake, IL USA

Re: Timing Question (steveelsbury)

What manual says that? Not the Helms manual. :confused: Base timing is always done at idle, EST disconnected. Didn't know the computer would add timing at any RPM with EST disconnected. Interesting.

Edit: Just noticed you have MSD ignition. Nevermind! No clue!!

[Modified by Hendej, 10:13 AM 6/17/2002]

Jun 17, 2002 | 12:13 PM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Jun 17, 2002 | 12:18 PM

steveelsbury

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From: Brentwood Essex

Re: (scorp508)

I've disconnected the MSD to keep everything simple. The advice to set timing at 2000 rpm comes from a Haynes Workshop Manual. I'll go and check the proper GM shop manual now ( an inch and a half thick bright red book, and very hard to find anything - hence I usually work from the Haynes manual) - it never occurred to me that Haynes might be wrong!

I've confused where the advance is coming from though. I thought with the EST connector disconnected, there was no way for the timing to be advanced. Retarded, yes, if I get knocks, but not advanced? :crazy:

Jun 17, 2002 | 12:21 PM

Bluevette85

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From: Latham NY

Re: Timing Question (steveelsbury)

I have my idle set to 650RPM in drive and timing 6-8deg.

Jun 17, 2002 | 01:50 PM

jmr302

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From: Newton (Wichita Area) Kansas

Re: Timing Question (steveelsbury)

I'm having similar difficulties, Steve, and I'm running the MSD 6AL. I'm going to try running the car without the MSD box and see what happens.

Jun 17, 2002 | 01:53 PM

steveelsbury

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From: Brentwood Essex

Re: Timing Question (jmr302)

Well, I checked the official GM manual, and cannot actually find a timing procedure anywhere in it. It says "Set the timing according to the plate on the radiator". Obviously written for people who are assumed to know how to do it.

So, does everyone set timing at idle? It seems so from the replies above.

Interestingly, the manual also mentions setting the base idle to 450 rpm when adjusting the IAC valve. Mine won't keep running that low - I have to get it over 600 before it keeps running.