timing an engine
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Bozeman, MT
timing an engine
So I just fixed the valves in my head and replaced my dizzy with a new MSD because the other was shot. I set my timing to about 10* BTDC and she runs great at idle but when you get on it there is a major dead spot. I advanced the timing by ear because I didn't have my timing light and that helped quite a bit, but something still doesn't feel right. I also am pretty sure my timing is going to be really advanced after doing that. What is the best way to get this timed right? Setting it to factory specs is obviously not doing it. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 898
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From: southeren Oh
i think you doing it right buy seting it by ear. I have done my vehicles that way and it works fine.
There is one catch. you need to do this with your heaviest load and the cheapest fuel you plan to run. and make sure your engine is fully warmed up.
There is one catch. you need to do this with your heaviest load and the cheapest fuel you plan to run. and make sure your engine is fully warmed up.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,931
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From: Ohio
I'm in the same boat at least timing wise also on my 390. I just don't have this dead spot you speak of. To set the timing, rev the engine until the numbers on the balancer stop changing. Once they stop changing hold the throttle at that spot, and turn the distributor to 36-38 degrees. This is with two people of course and a timing light. Then you can see what the initial is, and be able to just set it knowing where it should be if you need to in the future.
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From: Bozeman, MT
So I still had a dead spot after advancing the timing to 14* so I thought what the heck and turned the dizzy as far as I could which was 30* advanced. No pinging at all even under acceleration and man does it run good. This seems like wwaaayyyyy to much timing, especially when it is at 47* with the vac advance. It doesn't diesel when I shut it off and it sounds great. What do you guys think. I know my balancer is right because when I found TDC on cylinder 1, the balancer lined up as well. I'm gonna drive it a while like this and see if it acts up but I just thought I'd share with you guys and see what you think...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,931
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From: Ohio
So I still had a dead spot after advancing the timing to 14* so I thought what the heck and turned the dizzy as far as I could which was 30* advanced. No pinging at all even under acceleration and man does it run good. This seems like wwaaayyyyy to much timing, especially when it is at 47* with the vac advance. It doesn't diesel when I shut it off and it sounds great. What do you guys think. I know my balancer is right because when I found TDC on cylinder 1, the balancer lined up as well. I'm gonna drive it a while like this and see if it acts up but I just thought I'd share with you guys and see what you think...
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,940
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From: Southern Oregon Coast
Have you tried setting the timing with a vacuum gauge?
Hook up the gauge and set the timing so you have max vacuum - then back the timing off until the vacuum drops 1". An old mechanic showed this trick to me years ago... Works well in high-altitude areas...
It's not an accurate way to set the timing, but it might get it close enough for you to go in and fine-tune it...
Hook up the gauge and set the timing so you have max vacuum - then back the timing off until the vacuum drops 1". An old mechanic showed this trick to me years ago... Works well in high-altitude areas...
It's not an accurate way to set the timing, but it might get it close enough for you to go in and fine-tune it...
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
I don't get too hung up on numbers. Balancers, pointers get changed over the years. I set with a vacuum gauge and advance till it pings, then back off till it quits. Once she is running right, I'll take note of initial timing for the next time. Works for me.
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