If I use my timing light while someone is cranking the engine over and I set the distributor to 0 degrees is this right? Or should i set it to like 5 degrees before or something to get it started?

 

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is this a fresh motor? just set it up to 0 degrees, then once it's running set it to spec at idle, once the motor warms up, reset it. disconnect EST while setting.

 

No it's a older motor. I have the carb off it. I did head gaskets and I found out the carb is leaking. I wan't to get the timing right so I can start it right up once I put the carb back on. Thanks for the help.

 

to fire for the first time make sure #1 is on compression stroke and set it(balancer timing mark to required timing mark,once installed,most dist only have a few degrees of timing to adjust by rotating distributor,alot of times setting to 0 is too far off

 

Yes you can do that.

The motor will "run", if not "run right", anywhere from 15 degrees retarded, to probably 30 degrees advanced. So yeah, it's pretty critical, only a few degrees of adjustment. 45 or so.

Do what you're talking about, but set it to AT LEAST whatever your desired "spec" is. Like, put it at 10° advanced or some such. It'll be PLENTY close enough.

And then of course re-check it after it's running again.

 

Ok, Thanks guys.

 

Ok guys I got it running. I rebuilt the carb and it fired right up. I have to set idle and timing yet but its running great. Thanks for all your help.