So I just went and picked up a new ignition coil and wireset and figured I'd throw the coil on before I went to class today (college life). However the PO had put different sized bolts in the ignition coil and I had to take the distributor cap off to get at it. Naturally it didn't occur to me until I had the cap in my hand moving it out of the way that I don't own a timing light.

Wouldn't be too big of a deal but there's 2 unknowns and a bit of me being a noob mechanic so here goes; problem 1: I don't know what stock timing is on a 305. Problem 2: I'm not sure what cam is in the car, it's either stock or extremely mild aftermarket. Supposedly the po rebuilt it 80k ago but I didn't buy the car (gift) and the po hasn't responded to a single message for information. As for me being a noob mechanic I've never set timing before. I feel like I have a good understand of exactly what I'll be doing but any info is very welcome. I'll be going to buy a cap and rotor (mind as well while I'm doing this) and a timing light when i get out of class around 430.

I feel like I'm forgetting something but class starts in 15 so I'll edit this between classes if i remember.

 

 

Thanks for the reply although i got to decode a bit of that still. Forgot to mention it's a 92 tbi not sure if it matters but noticed you mentioned tpi


Edit: nevermind i get it now. Re read it

 

Why would removing the distributor cap affect timing? Unless you undid the bolt that holds the distributor in place, your timing should still be the same.

 

That was exactly my thought but i put the old ignition coil back on (wrong mounting hardware with the new one) hooked everything back up and the car won't start. Only thing i can think is timing. Even tried just hooking up the new coil thinking the old one went wonkey when I took it off. Back in class atm I'll try and give a little more detail afterwards

 

Just got back home. Getting no fuel to injectors but the pumps running so i was waaay off with my 30 second diagnosis. Feel free to delete this thread mods