Hey everyone, I am new to the forum scene and how it all works. I have a 1991 camaro with a 305. I bought the car recently and it hadn't run in two years. I changed the distributor, cap, wires, spark plugs. I could tell that the timing was off so I bought a gun to set the timing. I went to look for the marker on the balance but I couldnt find it. The car did not have one. Is there any way to set the timing? I adjusted the distributor by hand and ear and it sounds much closer. Also now when i took off the cleaner, the hose that pushes into the back has black smoke coming out of it. Does anyone have any idea what that could be?!? Thank you in advance to everyone!

 

I'm old school and used to working on the older non computer cars but I would say if you've got it running decent, leave the dist bolt loose enough where you can still move the dist by hand with a little effort, and take it out and drive it. Get on it and if it pings, retard it a little bit. If it doesn't ping, advance the timing until it does, and back off a little. You might be suprised how accurate you get it with this trial and error method. If I'm wrong on this with the ECM cars, someone will correct me. I'm not sure on the black smoke issue.

Good luck

 

You might want to read this;https://www.thirdgen.org/settingtiming

 

If the knock sensor throws a code, just back the timing off a little more. Not a big deal. The guy said he was missing the timing gauge.

 

My timing was a little too far advanced, and I blew a 4 foot flame out of the carb... it was pretty awesome.

 

Dont hack repair your car please!

Go get a pointer on teh timing cover, find the factory mark and time it right.
Its there, probably covered in grease.
If not find exactly where TDC is and mark it yourself.
Make sure the balancer hasnt moved.


Guarantee your timing is way off unless you got calibrated hands.

 

Our cars are a little forgiving, but if you want it to run and preform right, get it timed right. With the timing off, all the sensors will not be able to adjust enough to compensate for poor timming.

 

Thank you guys for the advice, I first did it by hand and sound (thanks for the idea) so that I could bring it to the same shop I got it inspected at and the guy did it properly... So no worries there!! It worked out great, so thank you for the help!