Ok, I have alot of information pertaning to the proper timing of the engine, but I dont really know what is right. I don't know wich mark to follow on the harmonic balancer, and if its 180 in or not. In addition.. Wich cylinder is REALLY #1? I have information that states #1 is the closest to the passenger compartment on the drivers side. Other sources state that #1 is the cylinder to the immediate left of the distributor.. Please help. This should end my troubles here, but I don't honestly know the answer to this... Thank you in advance.
What is the proper way to time an H.O.?
- Thread starter daR4V3N
- Start date
Mavrick
Founding Member
#1 is the passenger side front cylinder.
Some times you have to get a wire brush to clean the gunk and surface rust off of the balancer. You can then see the timing marks. I usually use some white paint and mark the 10* and 14* marks (makes it much easier to see with the timing light).
With the car running clip your timing light onto the #1 plug wire, pull the spout connector out of the wiring harness in front of the distributor and check your timing with the light. If you don't take the spout connector out the computer will still be adding timing so you can't really set the base timing.
Factory base was 10* but most guys try to advance to at least 14*
Some times you have to get a wire brush to clean the gunk and surface rust off of the balancer. You can then see the timing marks. I usually use some white paint and mark the 10* and 14* marks (makes it much easier to see with the timing light).
With the car running clip your timing light onto the #1 plug wire, pull the spout connector out of the wiring harness in front of the distributor and check your timing with the light. If you don't take the spout connector out the computer will still be adding timing so you can't really set the base timing.
Factory base was 10* but most guys try to advance to at least 14*
stang22
Active Member
cyl 1 is closest to the front bumper, farthest from the firewall, dont let anyone tell you different. For the balancer, I got under the car and whiped it off with a paper towel, got all the gunk off and with a flash light i could see the numbers, if you still can see them then turn the motor over just so it give it a turn, and go back and look, mark the number you want, pull the spout connector, let the engine run at normal temp, put the clamp thing on the #1 cyl wire, and point the gun at the little arrow and move the distributor till it lines up to the number you marked, keep the distributor alittle tight so there is some tension so it dosent move when you go to tighten it, then put the spout connector back in.
