Timing Check Procedure
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Redmond Wa
Timing Check Procedure
Can you check the timing on these cars using a timing light without actually starting the engine? I’m hoping someone knows of a procedure that is similar to that of carbureted engines where you would just disconnect the ignition coil; hook a timing light to #1 and with the starter crank the engine around. I don’t see a procedure for this in my Helms manual.
The reason I ask is I took the distributor out to do an intake manifold leak repair. After re-installing the distributor I think I have the timing set close to zero but I would like to check it before I actually fire her back up for the first time.
Thanks in advance.
The reason I ask is I took the distributor out to do an intake manifold leak repair. After re-installing the distributor I think I have the timing set close to zero but I would like to check it before I actually fire her back up for the first time.
Thanks in advance.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
no, not to the best of my knowledge.
put it this way... if the timing of off? it won't run.
just be ready to set the timing, that's all.
disconnect the tan wire. The connector is over by the power brake booster. turn over the motor, it should run, if it does, you know that you are not 180* out, and set timing accordingly.
put it this way... if the timing of off? it won't run.
just be ready to set the timing, that's all.
disconnect the tan wire. The connector is over by the power brake booster. turn over the motor, it should run, if it does, you know that you are not 180* out, and set timing accordingly.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I'm not sure if that will work but to try it you will need to open the EST connector in the Tan/Blk wire near the brake booster.
If you think you are very close you should be fine. Last time I had the intake base off I missed the dist mark by one tooth and she ran a little rough on initial startup but no problems.
If you think you are very close you should be fine. Last time I had the intake base off I missed the dist mark by one tooth and she ran a little rough on initial startup but no problems.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by Grace91
just disconnect the ignition coil; hook a timing light to #1 and with the starter crank the engine around.
Anyhow, a surefire way to make sure it is close enough to start, is to hand rotate the engine until the #1 piston is on the compression stroke. Keep turning until the mark on the damper lines up with the 10* btdc mark on the timing tab. Then remove the cap to see if the rotor is aimed at the terminal in the cap that holds the #1 plug wire. If they can't be aligned by rotating the distributor body, lift the distributor back out and move it a tooth in the direction it has to go. If it doesn't fire right up, you have a problem, other than timing.
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