I have read the service manual on setting the timing and it refers to unpluging a single wire connector behind the right valve cover. Can someone please show me a pic of this connector. I CAN NOT find this connector. The service manual is realy vague on the process of setting the timing as well. I am guessing to unplug this elusive 1 wire connector, connect up my timing light to the #1 plug wire at the spark plug, shoot my timing light at the harmonic balancer; now what exactly am I looking for when I shoot the light? I have the timing tab that is numbered and also I have a harmonic balancer cover that is numbered, how exactly do I know where the timing is set at? Thanks for the help

 

Also im interested to hear what the stock timing is on these cars.

 

The connector is up near the AC Condenser and blower fan. Look for a tan wire with a black stripe, and the connector is a single wire connector.

With that disconnected, and engine idling, and the timing light on #1 cylinder's plug wire (number one is driver's side front), hold the trigger and point at the timing tab on the front cover. You'll want to adjust the distributor (loosen the hold down bolt, and twist whole assembly - small increments), until the timing mark (if you have just one line like stock) lines up with 6 degrees BEFORE TDC (usually, it's the side of 0 degrees on the timing mark that has more marks - passenger side of 0). Check your underhood sticker to make sure the original timing on your engine should be 6 degrees. With your setup, set the 0 on the harmonic balancer to match with 6 on the timing tab.

When done, reconnect the EST Bypass wire, and tighten the distributor. Also, may want to "clear the codes" by removing the ECM fuse for half a minute. On my 89, the ECM fuse is on the driver's side of the radiator, in a small enclosure.

With EST-bypass re-connected, the timing will be up near 20 degrees at idle, so don't let that fool you.

 

awesome - thanks a million. Is 6 degrees correct for yours? I just did a carb to TPI swap so I do not have the specs for the timing. It is a 86 MAF set-up. I have it adjusted without connecting the EST to run smoothly right now without the timing light. I will go back this afternoon and find that EST connector and disconnect and set the timing correctly. Red I really appreciate your help.
Tony

 

6 is stock setting. you can play around w/ 6-10 ish, just check/listen for detonation....

 

Also if you can't see the timing mark a little white out always helps out.

I set my timing at about 7* and the car runs fine.

 

Keep in mind, if you have to etest, advancing the timing will cause a poor idle reading on the sniffer test. Set it a 'O' for the test. I run mine at 8* normally.

 

Agreed. Reducing timing always helps every emission measured. No doubt about it.

 

hey guys this isn't for a tpi setup but i need to know what is the 0 marker on the harmonic ballencer. my ford has lines on it with numbers and this engine doens't have anything but a line no numbers no other marks at all. can i assume that is 0? and also my timing plate is rusted there are 3 tabes on it i guess you would call them. where would 0 be on that plate and where would 6 be? am i to assume that the 3 tabs on the plate are 0,3,6 or what? this engine is out of a 79 monte carlo stuck in a 85 iroc. it is a 350 any help would be great


Nate

 

Thats probably a big part of the problem. Thats most likely a non emissions motor with a camshaft that isn't etest friendly. Sorry I can't help you on the timing tab. Your balancer should just have a line on it that lines up with the tab to set the timing.