confusedyouth

Hi, I have a 1991 LX 5.0. I had to pull the distributor out the other day, I marked the rotor position before I pulled it and it went back in and fired right up. But I wanted to check base timing when I went to do this I noticed that my balancer was so rusted I could no longer make out the marks. I did notice that there is a groove cut in the balancer, this is for number 1 TDC I assume, so what I was thinking was set my timing light to what I want for base timing and time it like that. (my light has the dial to set total advance) has anyone set base timing like this before? I'm not totally sure if the groove is for number 1 TDC or not can anyone clarify?

88stangaruu

bring #1 to TDC on the compression stroke and see where the mark is on your indicator. If the groove is inside the little hole in your indicator, then thats what it is ( '0' timing mark.) You should get you some timing tape at a parts shop, thats your best bet. Hit the balancer with some sand paper and see where zero is.

90GTRagtop

Take a piece of scotchbrite and buff off the rust (obviously with the engine off, and don't use sand paper). Then take a peice of soapstone or silver streak and mark the groove you want to set it too. Also, don't forget to pull the jumper (spout) when you check the timing.