I have checked the timing on my ’91 Formula 350 and it is a little ahead of where it needs to be. It’s at about 3 ½ to 4 degrees BTDC. I see the manual calls for 6 degrees and it sounds like some run 8 – 10 degrees. When I turn the distributor to adjust the timing, do I leave the engine running or do I have to shut it off? The manual doesn’t say to shut it off, but it also worries me a little to be working around the coil and coil wires with the engine running. Sorry for the dumb question, but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

The shock won't kill you, but you'll take a couple steps back Just use rubber gloves and/or make sure the boots are all on there tight before you start. I make sure the balancer is marked with chalk or tire paint so the line is easy to see - also clean off the actual teeth themselves so you can read them. With the car running and at normal operation temp, disconnect the tan wire near the pass side firewall. Then hook up the light and make you're adjustment. Then shut the car off and reconnect the wire after the engine is off. Disconnect the battery to clear codes then fire her up and you're all set.