I went through a topic search to try to find out how to set the timing on my car. When i went out there this is what i did, tell me if i did anything wrong...First i pulled the distributor cap off and then pulled the rotor off, finally got to the distributor hold down bolt and loosened it so i could "turn" the distributor, well i dont know if i'm doing it wrong or what but i tried to turn the stupid thing and it wouldnt turn, the thing i tried to turn was the little nub that sticks up that the rotor sits on but i wouldnt budge. Since the rotor was pointing toward the #5 piston on the cap the only way i could think of moving the thing was taking a socket wrench to the crank and spinning the engine manually, when i did that the distributor finally starting moving so when i finally got it pointing toward the #1 piston on the cap i put everything back together and fired it up, it kind of stuttered but ran fine till i took it out on the road where it continued to die at idle after it warmed up. So if anybody can tell me what i did wrong let me know, and i dont have a timing light so dont mention it.

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91 Blue RS with ASCD SS hood w/hood pins, Flowmaster 80 series w/3 inch dual exhaust, K&N, Hypertech Power Chip, Bosch Platinum wires and plugs

 

you dont take the cap or the rotor off. first, disconnect the EST (electronic spark control) wire. its tan with a black stripe, a weatherpack connector, and it comes out of the main wiring harness at the back of the engine bay on the passenger side. next, use a 15 mm socket with a swivel adapter and about 9 inches or more of extension. loosen the distributer hold down. start the car and rotate the entire distributer until the engine gets how you like it. turn off the car and tighten the distributer. reconnect the EST wire. when you ran the engine with the EST disconnected, you set off a trouble code. disconnect the battery and clear it. if you have a delco security radio, be sure to get the code first. reconnect the battery, get in the drivers seat, and enjoy your new timing setting!

i think i got it all, but if i missed something, will someone point it out?

[This message has been edited by ChevyGuy87 (edited June 18, 2001).]

 

The Haynes 82-92 manual will tell you how.

I'd say more, but I'd tell you to use a timing light- and you don't want to hear it.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Here's how I did mine without a timing light.
Realize that my swap job has a new timing chain and the engine is good.
I loosened the distb.
Started the engine.
Left everything hooked up.
Got the car to idle smooth. Then backed off the distb. setting by a hair or about 1/4 or so. JUST A LITTLE BIT.
Took the car for adrive and felt how it ran & heard if it pinged.
Felt sounded good, tightened down the distb. hold down bolt.
Was done.
I need a colder range plug for around here, as I hear a ever so slight ping.
YET, I believe once I get more air into the air filter box, that problem may go away, also.
If ya need to remove the distb. I recommend you create your own distb. hold down stud set up, for putting the distb. back in.
IF it leaks back there, use a Chevy Small Block Distb. gasket (Fel Pro, only , it's very thin, major detail!). IT works/cures the leak perfect!

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

of course this is a stupid question but i need to get it out of the way so i'm not confused anymore but what do you mean when you say "rotate the distributor"?

 

Just like a clock, as you turn the hands forwards and backwards, so can a distributor twist or rotate, one way or the other.
Does that work?

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

don't worry mAjInRS, i didn't get it when i read it either, but you really do turn the whole distributor. looosen the hold down bolt while its running and make sure The distributor is still seated all the way (if u don't, u'll end up w/ a crapload of oil on the floor, like i did) then maybe wear rubber gloves so u dont get shocked (wow, that was painful) and you grab the top of the distributor (cap, if u will) and you juss turn it, i think clockwise to retard and counter to advance, oo i used a timing lite, so i knew how far to go. you gotta juss go out and do it, you'll know when you're out there. oh ya, make sure u disconnect the EST connector b4 u start.

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Stock 2.8 MPFI auto w/ Flowmaster ?? Series (dunno what my dad put in), More to come......
New Pioneer Head Unit
Targa E-910 7-Band Equalizer w/ crossover
2x 10" Pioneer subs powered by 300 Watt Jensen amp
2- 6x9" Pioneer (rear)
More to come..... (hey, i dont got a job yet)