Timing correct?

[android_proball]

Hi All

How do I know if my timing is in/correct ?

I've changed my icm, and wires, along w cap and rotor several times, and all I've ever down is just bolt the dizzy back on.

-- I'm supposed to "time" the engine? - wtf does that mean?

I have no luck finding any info here..

I'm currently bleeding my coolant and now that I'm under the hood I would like to find and fix this " timing problem" -- if I have one.

[curtie94]

To time the engine you need a timing light.

[android_proball]

So I DO need to time my motor when I mess w the dizzy?

[wed3k]

yes sir, ignition timing is changed..not to be confused with cam timing.

[android_proball]

Damn I'm screwed. I don't know what that means.. Or where to get it done cheap. I've messed w my dizzy so many times.. I didn't even know I was supposed to do anything after..


So I can expect what types of failures or reactions from my motor? Because I honestly can't tell anymore

[wed3k]

as long as it is close, id highly doubt it is going to blow up. if it is advanced too far then it will ping which is bad or if it is too retarded, you'll see a decrease in gas mileage.

[android_proball]

Any way I could "guess" it ? I mean I always align the inside where the dizzy goes.

[wed3k]

you can get close with the way it drives.

[RyanD]

is timing a maintenance item? does it have to be checked after so many miles?

[android_proball]

you can get close with the way it drives.

What do you mean I can get close? Like time the shifts myself?

[oyajicool]

There is no breaker points to wear so once the timing is set, it will stay put till the distributor is disturbed/moved.

[wed3k]

What do you mean I can get close? Like time the shifts myself?

nevermind, just get a timing light and do it correctly. there's plenty of videos on youtube on how to do timing.

make sure you jump the service check connector (blue one)

your timing spec should be listed on the underhood decal.

[android_proball]

Ok, I can try that . Thanks members