can anyone tell me how to set my timing without using a timing light?

 

yeah go to the bank withdrawl some money go to the parts store and pick up a timing light dont time it with out a light you can really *** it up

 

You move the distributor clockwise to advance, CCW to retard. Stock is 10* from the factory.

W/O a timing light, you can't do your timing accurately, you'll have to guess. BUT BE WARNED- moving it a MM or less changes the timing 1*... very fine movements. I would do it with a timing light the first time at least, and learn how fragile it is.

 

im a 19 year old college kid that is flat out broke. how do i know if it is set at the base timing? how does the distributor have to be?

 

you cant tell unless you get a timing light. im 18 and i can still go out and get one. barrow one from a neighbor or a friend just dont do it by ear youll regret it

 

If you don't have any problems with the car....it's better to leave as it is, and check it after you could borrow a timing light.

 

^^+1. Leave it be till you get one.

 

timing light cost $39.99 not that expensive. you can come up with $40 right? look in a pawn shop too for one for $20 or something.

you set it to base timing mode by removing the following small plug with car off.

unplugged and in "base timing mode"


you'll need a 1/2" socket, swivel adaptor, and couple long extensions to reach distributor hold down bolt.
loosen it, but dont remove.

you'll probably have to clean off balancer to see marks too, little sandpaper does wonders.

hook up timing light and GENTLY twist distrib., doesnt take much.
make sure you got premium gas in the tank from now on too.

test drive make sure on pinging

 

Damn barn, nice post!!![8D]

 

Had a mechanic come over and time mine by ear, if its off even a smidge it will be very bad..mine pings and I took it to the guy that did my porting and he says its off a few degrees....get a timing light, very cheap and very accurate!!!!