sogabe

91 3.1L auto trans.

hi, im in a process of changing my hyd lifters to fix my clattering noise.

what a PITA i didnt know I need the distributor off so yeah I took it off
and bought a timing light..

i never adjusted or messed with timing before.. so
my question would be,

when u start ur adjustment(by turning the engine on),
will it damage anything if the timing is way too off or something?

and since none of my family member is corporative when it comes to my car,
should I get a starter switch? or is it ok jsut to turn the key on,
run to the engine and start adjusting?

I just know the general theory of how to set timing.. just never done it.
so I do know all ill have to do is hook no.1 wire up and watch the light in the crankpulley and turn the loosened cap til its aligned..
and I do know I need the tan colored something connector off beforehand.

just want to know if I should be aware or anything,
or if Im missing something.

THANKS SO MUCH GUYS VIVA 3RD CAMAROS LOVE U ALL

sixgun

Wow, been a long time since I've tried to put the procedure into words...

I'll try my best...

> never adjusted or messed with timing before.. so my question would be,
> when u start ur adjustment(by turning the engine on),
> will it damage anything if the timing is way too off or something?

Probably not. Way off is usually noisy and won't start.

> should I get a starter switch?

Not really necessary.

> is it ok jsut to turn the key on, run to the engine and start adjusting?

If the intial set is close enough AND it runs, yes.

> I do know all ill have to do is hook no.1 wire up and watch the light in
> the crankpulley and turn the loosened cap til its aligned..

Hmmm, well...

Usually we turn the engine crank until the timing marker shows TDC
for #1 cylinder, then make sure the distributor is pointing to the number
1 tower - this is a starting point. Then we start and watch the light...

> and I do know I need the tan colored something connector off
> beforehand.

That keeps the computer from advancing the spark while you are
setting the BASE timing. For that I'd say to check the manual.

You want to start knowing the mechanical relationship of #1 at TDC
and the distributor at #1 spark position is correct. The common error is to
just drop the distrbutor back in. Did you mark it so as to put it back in as
it came out? If not you need to verify the mechanical position before
proceeding.

Now I've kinda outlined some basic stuff here based on what I think
you're asking. If it's too basic - I'm sorry. If it's not helping you to
understand; you need to ask more questions.

Sixgun

sogabe

hey thanks six guy..

im at a point where I just cant turn the distributor locking bolt
back in tight enough.
I think i need a small enough of a flex bar so I get a better leverage..

bringing #1 to TDC and manually turning rotor to #1 position
is really basic but guess what.. I forgot about that!
so thanks u saved me
i learned all these craps in school but until i actually do it its really easy to forget