The 2.3L should be 10 Deg BTDC @ 600 RPM .. 34 - 38 Deg of Dwell and a min .018in ( 0.45mm ) Point gap.
hope this helps
If you are setting the timing with a timing light then it don't matter where the rotor is pointing. But if you are putting the Distributor in then yes. When it is in, It must be pointing to #1 on cap so vaccume advance don't hit the thermostat housing when you adjust the timing with a light.
If it has an older style distributor with the Duraspark unit then there are springs and counter-weights in the distributor that rotate the electronic trigger to advance the timing. If it is the newer TFI distributor with the computer then the computer advances the timing based on the rpm. If it doesn't have a distributor at all and has individual coils then the computer controls the timing. This is based on what I know about the 2.3's from racing them. Hope it helps.
if it has a distributor you can.
By rotating the distributor.
How do you set the timing on a 2300 mustang
To set the timing on a 1990 Ford Laser, first ensure the engine is at operating temperature and then turn off the ignition. Locate the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and the timing cover, and use a timing light connected to the number one spark plug wire. Start the engine and point the timing light at the marks; adjust the distributor until the timing mark aligns with the specified degree on the timing scale, typically around 10-14 degrees BTDC for this model. Finally, recheck the timing after tightening the distributor to ensure it remains in place.
To fix the timing in your 1979 Ford Econo van, first ensure the engine is at top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke for cylinder one. Next, locate the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and the timing cover, then adjust the distributor to align the marks according to the specified timing setting (usually around 6-10 degrees BTDC for that era). Finally, tighten the distributor hold-down bolt and recheck the timing with a timing light to confirm it's set correctly.
To set the timing on a 1992 Ford Laser 1600cc, first ensure the engine is at top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke for cylinder one. Then, locate the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and the timing cover. Adjust the distributor to align the rotor with the timing mark on the distributor housing while keeping an eye on the timing marks. Finally, tighten the distributor clamp and recheck the timing with a timing light if necessary.
To find the distributor starting point on a 1984 Ford 351 Club Wagon, first locate the distributor at the rear of the engine, near the firewall. The timing mark can usually be found on the harmonic balancer, and the timing pointer is located on the engine block. To set the initial timing, you may need to rotate the engine to the appropriate degrees before top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke for the number one cylinder, aligning it with the timing pointer. Make sure to check the specifications for the correct timing setting for your particular engine.
just the top one that is the vacum advance, timing should be 2 degrees BTDC with vacum advance line removed and blocke
try changing the timing onyour distributor
The timing is set by timing marks on the crankshaft pulley. Using a timing light the light will sync with the engine and show if the marks line up properly. To adjust the timing the distributor is turned slightly. There is a clam and bolt under the distributor, loosen these just a bit to be able to move the distributor.