Originally Posted by
RIKIL
I would do the previous steps but then turn off the motor, remove the spout plug and then start the motor to check the timing. Was that wrong or can it be done both ways? (you had the motor running when you pulled this plug)
There is usually no issue with doing it either except that sometimes the motor is harder to get running with the advance disabled. There is no harm in removing the spout while the engine is running, it may set a code but clearing that is easy, so shutting it off to remove or replace it is just another unnecessary step.