To set the ignition timing on a Ferguson TO 20, first ensure the engine is at top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke for the number one cylinder. Next, align the timing marks on the flywheel with the pointer on the timing cover. Adjust the distributor by loosening the hold-down screw and rotating it until the points just begin to open at the specified timing mark, typically around 4 to 6 degrees before TDC. Finally, tighten the distributor hold-down screw and recheck the timing to ensure it remains correct.
To time a Mazda RX-7 with an MSD ignition, start by ensuring the engine is at operating temperature and set to idle. Use a timing light to check the ignition timing by pointing it at the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and the timing tab. Adjust the timing by loosening the distributor hold-down bolt and rotating the distributor until the desired timing is achieved, typically around 18-20 degrees BTDC for a stock RX-7. Finally, re-tighten the distributor bolt and recheck the timing to ensure it remains consistent.
If the engine is stock, I'd set the initial timing at 12, make sure the timing mark starts to move when you rev the engine off idle, and watch it advance up to somewhere in the 30 - 35 degree range when it stops. Do this with the vacuum advance disconnected. Then with the timing set at 12 with the engine at idle, hook up the vacuum line to the distributor and see that the timing now shows somewhere in the high 20's to low 30's of timing.
Step one: Head down to Harbor Freight or Walmart and buy a timing light for $20...
You can try by vacuum- try to bring it to 20 Hg at idle, but a timing light is much more accurate
How do you set the timing for an 1989 Chevrolet G20 van - 350 cu. in. with tbi?
you don't the computer sets it from the crank sensor
Check the manual on that one. You may need to use a jumper to allow the timing to be changed. Check to see if there is a wire right below or connected to the distributor that has a cap on it. Open it up and you might see a 2 connector plug. That might be the place to put the jumper, but don't just go ahead and do it until you read the service manual on that one and figure out where the right procedure and the right setting. does the tachometer jump around before it shuts off? if so i fixed this by replacing the distributor.
IN order to answer this question, the year of the motor is a necessity because the type of ignition differs. Yet, since you are talking about setting timing it is probably a motor with a distribuitor, as opposed to coil packs. To set timing, you must have a timing light; a light with an advance is optimal and what I use. Start off by connecting the power leads of the light to your vehicle's motor and the other lead wire to the number one cylinder plug wire on your motor (the cylinder on the right bank in the very front when facing the front end of the vehicle). Then, start the vehicle and point the timing light towards the left side of the harmonic balancer, there should be a small plate with an "A , 0 , and R". On the harmonic balancer, there should be a small tick mark that keeps moving, that will point out the timing. In order to adjust timing, you must move the distributor back and forth after loosing the retaining nut for it. Set the desired advance on your timing light and then move the distributor until you see the tick mark hitting "0". Optimal timing for a stock 350 is about 12 to 13. after the timing is set, tighten up the retaining nut, shut down the motor, and clean up. don't for get to unplug the vacume hose befor you set the timing set timing at 4 degrees above top degrees center For a 350 Full size Chevy.... 1988-1990 TBI 20 degrees BTDC 1988-1990 MPFI 6 degrees BTDC Source: Haynes Automotive Manual
no You need to check the ESTM electronic spark timing module This requires a engine scanner to watch the timing retard and advance. why do you think the timing is going crazy? Need to know more info. to answer correct. NEUTZ
timing is 20 degrees before top dead center at 700 rpm on the 1800 cc engines. The timing mark is under the spare on the flywheel. Take a light and look straight down on the back of the engine to find the slot exposing the flywheel . The flywheel has a 20 degree mark on it . the block has the reference mark . There are 2 bolts one loosens slightly on the distributor so you can smoothly but with resistance turn it . Place the timing light inductive coil over the number one spark plug lead . The distributor cap has the leads marked 1 thru 4 . Timing light usually gets its power from the car battery . Start the engine and adjust the RPM to 700 using the idle adjustment screw on the throttle cable where it attaches to the carberator/ air intake , point the timing light so it shines on the flywheel and squeese the trigger . Move the distributor till the 20 Deg . mark lines up with the line on the block . tighten the distributor gently , firmly and recheck the timing . Finished
You'll need a good timing light and an offset distributor wrench that is 1/2 on one end and 9/16 on the other. Get a good inductive timing light, not one of those cheap crappy ones. An inductive light simply clips on to the spark plug wire, while the crappy cheapos require you to insert a rod like thing in the #1 tower at the distributor cap. You have to have the offset wrench to losen the distributor adjusting bolt buried under the distributor. Most folks recommend 10 degrees BTC (before the piston reaches top dead center). On the harmonic balancer, you will see some marks that go 10 20 30 with 2 degree ticks between them. Take a wire brush and clean off the 10 degree mark. I also suggest that you paint the mark with white paint to help you see it better with the timing light. Break the distributor hold down bolt lose but leave it snug. Start the engine, warm it up, fix vacuum leaks or mechanical problems. Turn it off, and then take the vacuum line loose from the distributor. If you don't, the vacuum advance will screw up your initial timing. Cap the vacuum hose. Hook up your timing light. Start motor and run it at your idle speed. Now loosen the distributor bolt. Point the timing light at the balancer, pull the trigger. You'll see it flashes as the timing marks go past the pointer on the timing cover. You'll see your white paint line. All you have to do now is turn the distributor until the white line lines up with the pointer. Tighten the distributor bolt. Unhook your light, and be sure to reconnect your vacuum hose. That's it! If you hear a bunch of excessive pinging, you may want to back off the timing a couple of degrees. You can also experiment and advance it some more to get more power. Just watch out for too much pinging/ detonation.