another timing thread
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
another timing thread
sorry for doing this but heres another thread about timing...ive asked about this before but im still dumbfounded by it. could anyone tell me where the wire that i need to disconnect to do my timing is in these pictures? by what ive read its in this area, but i cant seem to find it. also, how do i loosen the distrubutor cap to rotate it? thanks in advance .... ps.... sorry about the terrible dirty engine bay 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
This is the EST connector (next to the wiper motor -- tan wire with black stripe):
You don't loosen the distributor cap -- you loosen the whole distributor. It is held in place by a Y-shaped clamp that is bolted to the intake manifold:
The clamp is located on the passenger side of the distributor. You loosen the bolt enough to turn the distributor, set the timing and tighten the bolt to lock it in place. Recheck timing just in case the distributor moved while tightening the clamp.
You don't loosen the distributor cap -- you loosen the whole distributor. It is held in place by a Y-shaped clamp that is bolted to the intake manifold:
The clamp is located on the passenger side of the distributor. You loosen the bolt enough to turn the distributor, set the timing and tighten the bolt to lock it in place. Recheck timing just in case the distributor moved while tightening the clamp.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Cliff showed a close up of the wire. It should be located between the brake booster (left side of) and the wiper motor near the firewall. Just loosen the bolt holding the distributor hold down.I usually locate the slot used for timing on the damper, clean it and apply some white out used to correct errors when your typing....for us old timers that know what a typewriter is....
. This makes the slot very visible when you use your timing light.Remember that when you unplug the wire and set your timing that the unplugged wire will set a code 44 which is normal. Disconnect the NEGATIVE battery terminal after you set the timing to erase the code.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 124
Likes: 5
From: Cave Creek arizona
Put the white out or chalk on the timing line on the dampener. I also took a picture of the timing mark and enlarged it so I could see the location of the 6 btdc (yours might be different) and then it was easier to locate the proper spot while timing. I just counted the notches and knew the 6 was in this particular notch. Hope this makes sense...
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 226
Likes: 22
From: Dade City Florida
I got the digital light from autozone. You dial in what degree you want then it adjust as needed to use the 0 mark to visually set it. Makes it much easier and it also has an rpm indicator
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
If the EST connector is not opened then the ECM will set the idle timing to 20°. This will be roughly at 12:00 position and the timing mark will not be visible. Another possibility is that the outer ring of the harmonic balancer has shifted (fairly common problem -- happened to me on two different Corvettes).
This picture shows how the timing mark should line up with the edge of one of the spokes on the harmonic balancer. On the right side of the ruler is the timing mark, which I filled with white paint:
This diagram shows how the timing mark on the harmonic balancer should align with the 6° mark on the timing tab:
This picture shows how the timing mark should line up with the edge of one of the spokes on the harmonic balancer. On the right side of the ruler is the timing mark, which I filled with white paint:
This diagram shows how the timing mark on the harmonic balancer should align with the 6° mark on the timing tab:
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
White out for paper, chalk or even white paint in the "SLOT" in the damper. Clean off the timing marks with a rag. See Cliff's post with the picture. Also be sure that you have the timing light pickup lead clamped to spark plug wire #1 (driver's side front).