redcamaro1988

I have posted on here before about my 88 Camaro that wasnt getting any fire. I have changed everything for the ignition (i.e. plugs, wire, cap, rotor, and ignition module). I recently replace the distributor as well due to still not getting any fire and I think I am getting fire now because it backfired once and a small fire came up through the throttle body. How would I go about getting the time set right by myself. It is a 305 Tbi engine. I have no one to help me and I am ready to get it back on the road. Any help would be very appreciated. Have a great day!

camaronewbie

You need a timing light, can be had for as little as $15 at Harbor Freight.

Disconnect EST wire, looosen dist hold down bolt, start car, shoot timing tab with light. Stock specs are zero, but can be as high a s 4* BTDC.

Did you get the engine set to TDC on the compression stroke when you stabbed the new distributor? Then, wherever the rotor points should be #1 plug wire, then follow firing order around cap with plug wires. You can't just stick a distributor in, has to be set in when engine is at TDC on compression stroke.

redcamaro1988

How would I go about doing that because that is where I am stuck at right now. I cant figure out which cylinder is #1 when I am looking at the engine.

rs owner

old skool method disconnect the coil wire and take out no.1 spark plug stick a piece of toilet paper in it's place (don't pack it tight it needs to be able to come out) and have someone bump the starter until the TP shoots out take a screw driver and (try) to stick into the cylinder hole (it shouldnt go in but maybe 1/8 to 1/4in before hitting the piston.)

that is top dead center but be careful make sure the piston is as high as it can be for compression stroke not exhaust (the exhaust stroke doesn't come all the way to the top)

new skool method go to advance auto and get the haynes manual for $24 and follow the illustration for v8 engines.

oh!!! no.1 cylinder if I'm not mistaken is very front spark plug on drivers side. closest to the radiator.

one last thing neither of these methods will tune it dead on for that you have to have a timing light and have to know how to use it.

torque_is_good

no manual is going to get you to TDC on cylinder #1.

If you got a backfire then yes, you are getting spark and yes, your timing is off.

Is there any warm body anywhere that can sit in your front seat?

First, charge the battery

next, get a wire tie wrap from a sandwich bag or trash bag or elctronic device

standing in front of the vehicle, cylinder # 1 is on your right or in other words, the front cylinder on the drivers' side.

Remove spark plug #1
disconnect ignition coil wire
put your finger over the hole of plug #1
have warm body bump the starter

you will feel a sucking and a pushing

you want to pay attention to the pushing as that is your power stroke

when you feel air being pushed to your finger, stop the bumping and stick tie wrap into cylinder angled downward (don't drop it in)

if you can tap the piston then you are close enough for good measure.

Remove dist cap (who cares abot the wires right now)

look for the meta part of the rotor and make note of whre it's pointing

the "correct" way would be that it's pointing toward the 5 o'clock position (using an analog clock face) If it's not, so what, you found where #1 is. Then, connect your plug wires accordingly following the firing order.

My distributor is a wee bit off as well and my #1 is around 3:30 but I simply labeled the distributor so anyone behind me knows. I was too lazy to yank it out again.

redcamaro1988

The toilet paper trick actually helped me out. I got it close enough to get it running today. The first time since late October. Now when I punch the gas I hear the valves rattling. How can I fix that. Thanks for everything guys you are awesome.