How do you set ignition timing for a 1965 230 Chevy Nova?

Answer 1

First off, you will need a timing light. Hook it up to the battery, and the inductive lead on the plug wire that runs to the front spark plug. This is cylinder number 1. Follow the fan belt to the bootom, or lowest pulley, it goes around. This is your crankshaft pulley. The pulley bolts to the harmonic balancer. Looking down there, you will see a tab sticking out of the timing cover, that seems to somewhat shield the balancer. It will have numbers on it. 2, 4, and maybe even 6. On the corresponding surface of the balancer, you will see a slot, or groove. Mark this groove with chalk, or white paint. Now, on the distributor, where all the spark plug wires come out, at the base, you will see a bolt. 1/2 inch, I think. Slightly loosen this bolt, so that you can turn the distributor, but barely. I would use your paint or chalk to mark where the distributor is now, by making a line that runs from the base of the distributor, to the block, so you know where you started. There will be a black vaccuum hose coming out of a silver diaphragm, on the side. Pull this hose off, and put a pencil in it to plug it off, other wise you will have a vaccuum leak, and thus a false reading. The reason you are pulling this off, is because it controls the vaccuum advance, and left connected, again, you will get a false reading. Now, start the car up, and remembering that the fan, will now be turning, from the driver side, pull the trigger on the light, and shine it down toward that tab ssticking out. You will need a semi dark area, to see the light. Where ever that whoite mark on the balancer sahows up on the tab, that is the number of degrees timing. Have as friend turn the distributor slightly, back and forth, while you watch with the light. You will see what is happening. You should set the timing at about 4, to 6 degrees advanced, or BTDC. Remember to tighten the dist., back up, and re connect the vaccuum hose.