Timing Questions

[ndburli]

I have reviewed a lot of the previous posts on the forum. I have a few timing questions.

Unplug the tan wire to set the timing
Locate TDC with a TDC spark plug tool (I would assume once I find TDC I would install the plug back into place correct?
Which spark plug is #1 --looking at the front of the engine?
Start the truck (with wire unplugged) and rotate the distributor to advance or retard to the timing to set to 0
Locate the white mark and line it up with the notch (middle notch?)
Tighten down distributor and plug wire back in

Questions:

Do I need a timing light to complete this task or by using the TDC spark plug tool am I manually locating the timing?
If I use a timing light would I then need to find TDC or will the light show me?

Ultimately, is it easier if I just use a timing light, hook up to the battery and plug 1, and set timing that way?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Aeroking]

Re: Timing Questions

I have reviewed a lot of the previous posts on the forum. I have a few timing questions.

Unplug the tan wire to set the timing
Locate TDC with a TDC spark plug tool (I would assume once I find TDC I would install the plug back into place correct?
Which spark plug is #1 --looking at the front of the engine?
Start the truck (with wire unplugged) and rotate the distributor to advance or retard to the timing to set to 0
Locate the white mark and line it up with the notch (middle notch?)
Tighten down distributor and plug wire back in

Questions:

Do I need a timing light to complete this task or by using the TDC spark plug tool am I manually locating the timing?
If I use a timing light would I then need to find TDC or will the light show me?

Ultimately, is it easier if I just use a timing light, hook up to the battery and plug 1, and set timing that way?

Thanks for any help.

First, leave the tan wire plugged in for the first few steps (it helps the engine start up)

Locate TDC on #1 cylinder (driverside front closest to alternator) You can use any type of TDC tool.
Once you have the engine rotate to TDC #1, look at the balancer. If you're lucky there will be an indentation near the timing pointer.

Leave the engine positioned on #1 TDC. Get a white paintstick and put a mark on the balancer where the tin pointer is flat. So, not the jagged notches, but the flat edge towards the driverside)

Once you have the spot marked, you can go ahead and put the spark plug back in #1. And start the engine (tan wire still plugged in).

After the engine is warmed up, unplug the tan wire. The idle is going to get rough, but the truck should stay running.

Take your timing gun/light (doesnt have to be an adjustable one). Set the timing gun to "0" zero degrees.

Shine it on the balancer, and see if your mark is close to the flat edge on the pointer.

If its not dead on, loosen the distributor bolt, and slowly rotate the distributor, a 1/8" each direction until the marks line up. Then lock it down. Plug the tan wire back in, and you're good.

 

[ndburli]

Re: Timing Questions

First, leave the tan wire plugged in for the first few steps (it helps the engine start up)

Locate TDC on #1 cylinder (driverside front closest to alternator) You can use any type of TDC tool.
Once you have the engine rotate to TDC #1, look at the balancer. If you're lucky there will be an indentation near the timing pointer.

Leave the engine positioned on #1 TDC. Get a white paintstick and put a mark on the balancer where the tin pointer is flat. So, not the jagged notches, but the flat edge towards the driverside)

Once you have the spot marked, you can go ahead and put the spark plug back in #1. And start the engine (tan wire still plugged in).

After the engine is warmed up, unplug the tan wire. The idle is going to get rough, but the truck should stay running.

Take your timing gun/light (doesnt have to be an adjustable one). Set the timing gun to "0" zero degrees.

Shine it on the balancer, and see if your mark is close to the flat edge on the pointer.

If its not dead on, loosen the distributor bolt, and slowly rotate the distributor, a 1/8" each direction until the marks line up. Then lock it down. Plug the tan wire back in, and you're good.

Is the TDC tool for 14mm? What size spark plug do our trucks have?

 

[Aeroking]

Re: Timing Questions

Yes, its a 14mm spark plug thread. And don't bump the starter with the tool in the engine, it'll break off inside the engine, and you'll be screwed. Turn it by hand.

 

[ndburli]

Re: Timing Questions

Yes, its a 14mm spark plug thread. And don't bump the starter with the tool in the engine, it'll break off inside the engine, and you'll be screwed. Turn it by hand.

Thanks so much! You were a huge help.

 

[Damian]

Re: Timing Questions

There are two marks on the balancer. When you spin the balancer clockwise, it will be the 2nd mark. If the 2nd line is at the 12 o'clock position, the 1st will be about the 2:30 to 3 o'clock.