OK guys I know this might be redundent, but could someone lay out the exast steps for setting the timing, and what to set it at for best preformance. My motor is a stock 2.8 v6 so please keep that in mind.

my haynes manuak is no help in this matter.

 

Tools required:
-inductive pick-up timing light (one that clips onto the #1 spark plug wire).
-15mm distributer wrench, OR 3/8" ratchet, 15mm socket, 3/8" swivel, and 11" extension

Look under your hood for a "vehicle emission control information" (VECI) label. It should have timing instructions on it, including how many degrees before top dead center (BTDC) to set the timing. If the label is missing, procede with the timing procedure below and set the timing to 10* BTDC.

-Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature. Stop engine.
-Clip the timing light pick-up to the #1 spark plug wire (front cylinder on passenger side). Connect the other two leads to the battery, and make sure all wires are clear of the belt(s).
-Disconnect the EST wire. You should find this wire at the firewall on the passenger side. It has a plastic connecter and should be poking out of the wiring harness. The wire is tan with a black stripe.
-Locate the timing tab, just above the harmonic balancer on the crankshaft.
Wipe or wire brush this tab clean, so that you can see the numbers and marks on it.
-Restart the engine and aim the timing light at the timing tab. The timing light will flash every time the #1 cylinder fires. At each flash, you will see a notch on the harmonic balancer that will line up with the numbers or marks on the timing tab. You want that notch to line up with 10 on the tab. If it is not on 10, loosen the distributer hold down bolt. With the timing light in your left hand, slowly rotate the distributer with your right hand until the notch lines up with the 10 position on the tab.
-With the timing set at 10*, tighten the distributer hold-down bolt and recheck the timing. Re-time if necessary.
-Turn car off. Reconnect the EST wire. Done.

 

what color is the wire for the est connector?

 

How does the EST work to retard or advance the timing? On vaccum advance the vac moves the dist. Whatgoes on in a
est adjustment?

 

The EST connector has a tan/black wire.

 

Tech, I cleaned it up some. You are welcome to edit it or reword it however you see fit.
It also would be great to have a list of timing settings for all the 82-92 v6 engines. I know that they aren't all supposed to be set at 10*.


Rol1, the EST (Electronic Spark Timing) works with the computer and various sensors to control spark timing. Electronic vs vacuum control of timing advance.

 

I mean, is it all advanced electrically? Or does the rotor and cap actually adjust? Move? Rotate?

Or is the rotor and electrode wide enough to just adjust spark timing in the computer without moving the dist?

 

It is all done electronically by the ECM.

 

does anyone have a pic of where the timing tab is? i have to check my timing cause i have sluggish acceleration thanks guys

 

here ya' go.

 

thanks man i appreciate it hopefully ill get to it this weekend

 

Hey I mad the mistake of trying to adjust the timeing without disconnecting that wire. What should I do now