Hi guys, I'm going to set the ignition timing on my 3.1 LH0 Bird. What is the correct procedure to do it? I also noticed the timing mark is almost erased. Can you tell me the correct values?

Thanks!!!

 

Warm up the engine first. Turn key off, open hood. Back near the A/C box is a single tan/blk wire with an inline connector, open the connector (EST/BYPASS).

Connect the timing light to the battery, then to the #4 plug wire (center drivers side).

Start the engine, may need to use a little go-pedal to get it started and stay running. Then let the engine idle on it's own.

The proper timing is 10* BTDC, need to loosen the distributor hold down bolt enough to be able to rotate it. But not so much that it moves on it's own. Rotate distributor until the light is flashing on the 10* BTDC timing mark.

Tighten distributor hold down bolt. Re-check that the timing is still at 10* BTDC, adjust as required.

Turn key-off, reconnect the EST/BYPASS wires, remove timing light and close hood. Note that this will set a code 42 for 50 start ups, then go away.

I can't help regarding the timing tab layout.

RBob.

 

Ok, thank you RBob. I'll try as soon as possible!

 

Ok, set 10* BTDC. As you suggested. Now, I'm having a stalling problem when in gear, closed loop. Engine idles much better now, but I' ve this frustrating stalling problem. What if I turn 12* BTDC?

 

You can try it. More importantly, if you have removed battery power from the ECM, say to clear codes, you need to do an idle learn procedure. Search the V6 board with my user name and idle + learn as the key words. Easy to do the learn. And is also why I didn't mention clearing the code 42 set when the engine was run with the EST/BYPASS open.

RBob.

 

12* will make it run slightly better , most of us set base timing between 12-14* instead of 10*

 

Thank you guys, I'll check asap. The last ignition time regulation was really wrong, aprox 20* but never stalled. Now (10*) does. Maybe the problem located in the TCC? The car is 118,729 miles.

 

Did you ever get this resolved? I have been working with a related stalling issue and might be able to help based on what I have done.

 

Just did! Once set on 10* runs like a champ. I've non longer stalling problems after that!

 

I am glad it turned out to just be your timing then. Enjoy the ride.