Timing Gurus HELP!

do you have a timing light? A chiltons or haynes manual? That is your first step.

wild70stang said:

I have heard that timing lights are not to be used, and they cause problems. My chilton book says to use a timing light but im not sure yet.

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Buy yourself a timing light and a Chilton's manual, which will walk you through the procedure step by step. Setting the timing has little to do with your carb. The only practical way to set timing without a light is by ear, and that requires considerable experience to get right (which I'm guessing you don't have). Buy a timing light.

where ever you heard not to use a timing light...umm don't listen to that source again. I don't know what you're talking about on the carb. You said somebody adjusted a screw on it...that doesn't mean much, there are quite a few screws. Idle speed screw? Idle mixture screws? If its the idle speed screw, just back off on it until your back down to about 700 rpms. For the timing, connect the +/- leads to their respective sources, then hook the spark lead to the #1 plug (cylinder at front passenger side). Disconnect vacuum hose from vacuum advance housing and temporarily plug the hose(a small screw works well). Locate timing pointer on timing cover, be sure timing marks on balancer are visible/readable. Make sure the leads for the timing light are not at risk of being caught by the fan or alternator, etc. Fire the engine, point timing light at pointer/balancer. The light will flash everytime the #1 cylinder fires. Your initial timing at idle should be approx 12* BTDC. To adjust the timing, grab a 1/2" wrench and loosen the bolt that secures the distributor hold down clamp. Rotate the distributor slightly clockwise to advance the timing, counterclockwise to retard the timing.

I don't know how else to explain it. It should be clearly explained in your manual (if you've read it). It can be set by using a vacuum gauge, but I think thats beyond your skill set at this point. Plus, if its a stock (according to your sig it is stock for all intents and purposes) engine the factory procedure should be just fine. I could go into adjusting the advance curve, idle mixture adjustment, etc, but I think that would blow your mind at this point.

For info on the carter carb, go to their website. Or shoot, go to edelbrocks website, they are the same carb. They should both have a basic trouble shooting guide on their website.

You need a timing light.

As a last resort crank her up to 4000 RPM's and rotate the distributor until she begins to skip, then back of the rotation. This will get you close - then beg. borrow or steal a light.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com

or buy one, they are cheap

The chilton manual will tell what to set the timing at (probably says 6*-8* but 10*-12* is better) but will probably not tell you how to use the light because it is usually assumed you already know how. It would be like them telling you why the impact socket goes round and round. 302coupe gave you the exact procedure that I would have so no need to repeat it. Other than a vacuum guage, the first automotive tool most guys buy is a timing light if they ever intend on doing their own work.

Auto Zone sure, but Home Depot for a timing light?? Don’t forget to get some four by twos while your there. Oh and a left-handed hammer. All kidding aside timing lights are cheap and necessary to get the timing right without years of experience.