If you look stright down between the water pump and engine block you will see the timing mark.
the pointer has its on mounting spot on the front of the block when you bolt it on the pointer will be set
get a timing light clip the power lines to the batt. spark plug end to the #1 plug wire as close to the end as you can. find the pointer, should be above the crank pulley, disconnect the white/brown wire along side the passenger fender. start the engine and point the light at the pointer. watch for the mark to line up witht the pointer.
10 degrees btdc
8 degrees.
0 degrees btdc
ground the diagnostic connector under the dash , set the timing , then unplug connector
With the engine warmed up and at idle, disconnect the vacuum line to the vacuum advance.Hook up your timing light to number one cylinder. Slightly loosen the distributor. The timing should be about 4 degrees. Move the distributor until the pointer is at 4 degrees. Tighten the distributor and reinstall the vacuum hose.
you dont its all controlled int he computer tune there is ZERO mechanical adjustment
set cylender one at top dead senter then point thr rotor at cylender one that will set the distributer then turn the cap to finish the timing that always works for me
There are no timing settings to set in a 1979 Grand Prix. The 3.4 L and the 3.1L and the 3.8 L that Pontiac used in its lineups all had computer controlled timing.
On a 1991 Chevy Beretta with a 3.1L engine, the timing marks are located on the harmonic balancer and the timing cover. The harmonic balancer has a series of notches, while the timing cover has a pointer that indicates the correct timing. To set the timing, align the mark on the harmonic balancer with the pointer on the timing cover at the specified timing degrees. Always refer to the vehicle's service manual for specific timing specifications and procedures.
as long as you have the timing marks set right on the timing chain gears the only other thing it could be is your distriburetor is set wrong.