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to set the timing on my 95 351 i take the spout connector out, set the engine on tdc compression, set the dist on no.1 and start it up and put the spout back in. or put the spout in then start bit? mine acts like it is advanced to much, it cranks 8 times or more before it decides to start. i have a timing light with an advance dial and i set it for 10 degrees and the light should be at tdc with the spout out.. then i put the spout back in and let the computer take over? is that right? my brain is slow tonight.
First, use chalk, white-out, or a paint pen to mark on the balancer where your timing should be (10 degrees advance sounds right - don't quote me). Run the engine up to operating temperature. Shut off the engine and loosen the distributor bolt enough so it wont turn by itself, but you can turn it by hand. Hook up your timing light, #1 cylinder is on the front passenger's side. Set your timing light to 0 advance. Then, pull the Spout connector, start the engine, and shoot your timing light at the balancer. Turn the distributor until the mark you made on the balancer lines up with the Top Dead Center mark on the engine. Shut the engine off and tighten the distributor bolt. Restart the engine and double check the timing is set correctly. Shut the engine off and put the Spout connector back in. Test drive.
Factory specs for your engine is 10 BTDC base timing.
You don't need to set dist. on #1 nor do you need to set hb to TDC - unless dist. has been removed from block
Since you have taken the spout out, the engine doesn't even need to be warmed up even (although it wouldn't hurt) - it's all a mechanical function at this point.
Before starting engine though, loosen the distributor so it will move w/ moderate pressure, (you don't want to be struggling there with the engine belts in close proximity) but not so loose that distributor moves when trying to tighten it back down
Don't forget to re install the spout when done, after turning engine off.
I only have used a standard timing light, so I'm not sure about how to use one w/ a dial.