Need to do the timing on my 85 transam, 305v8,carburetted,auto.

Not messed around with the ECM before, but before I go do the timing, is 6 Degrees BTDC the correct setting? Also, a friend of mine who is very knowledgable on TA's said disconnect the 4 wire connector at the distributor to do the timing, but in the book it says not to do this but to jump pins at the connector block under the dash. Which is the best advice ? And any other pointers please feel free to say ! Cheers.

 

Don't touch that ECM if you're just timing it! I think 6 degrees is right. All you need is a timing light and your spark plug wires hooked up correctly! Just hook up your light to the #1 spark plug wire, and to the negative cable on the battery, or whatever the directions say with your light. Start the car and aim the light down at the vibration dampener. It's right below the water pump. Watch the timing mark when the light flashes. It's kind of like seeing something under a strobe light. Kind of like a picture in your mind. The timing mark is a groove cut in the vibration dampener. The marker should be welded onto the block. Anyways, rotate your distributor until the timing mark is lined up with the 6 degree BTDC mark when the light flashes! That's it! Tighten the distributor back down. Matt

 

You have to pull out the 4 pin wire that goes to the dizzy to set the timeing. With this still connected, the ECM is still controling the timing at idle and is prolly advancing and retarding it. So you'd never get a correct reading.

Kat

 

Actually, all you have to do is jump the two terminals on the ALDL like you're gonna check codes, that has the same effect as disconnecting the EST on an EFI car.

Set your base timing, turn off car, remove ALDL jumper, start car again.

 

Never knew that. I've always done it the way that I've said.

Kat

 

Well I learn something new every day! Do you put the jumper in and then start the car and do the timing? Or do you start the car THEN put the jumper in? I always thought that would damage the computer. Please explain! Matt

 

Folks,
Thanks for the info. Regarding the ALDL & 4 wire @ Distributor, I checked with a friend of mine who is very knowledgable about TA's so I asked about the two different bits of advice.

His recommendation is to simply disconnect the 4-wire @ Distributor & NOT jump sockets at the ALDL.

Will let you all know how I get on when I do this job on Friday.