How do you time an engine with a distributor ignition system?

Question

Cars in the old days and newer cars with a distributor ignition system, how do you timed these things? and How often do you have to do that and why?

Answer 1

There are two methods:

1) Static timing. Determine which terminal on the distributor cap is #1. Turn the motor by hand until the rotor almost reaches that position. Now find the timing pointer (usually on the vibration damper, which should be marked in degrees). Turn the motor until the pointer lines up with the correct advance mark (you will need to look this up in the shop manual, or there may be a decal under the hood with this information). Now loosen the distributor and attach an ohmmeter or test light between the points lead and ground. Now loosen the distributor, and rotate it until the points just close, as indicated by your meter or light. Tighten the distributor, and you're done.

2) The preferred method is to use a timing light. Attach the pickup to the #1 spark plug wire. Start the motor, and point the light at the timing mark. It should appear to line up with the correct mark on the damper. If not, loosen the distributor and rotate until it does.

Answer 2

First you have to find out what degree the timing is to be set at. Then clean and mark with a white marker or paint the appropriate degree mark on the tab that is over the damper wheel which is on the front end of the crank shaft.Also you'll find a slot on the damper wheel that will need cleaned and marked the same way. Plug in your timing light onto your number one plug.Loosen the hold down bolt under the distributor.Start the engine.Point the light at the damper wheel and you'll see the two lines as the light flashes. Slowly turn the distributor until the two line match up.Then tighten down the distributor.

Answer 3

Timing refers to the instant the spark from the spark plug ignites in relation to the time the fuel is most combustable, and that is when the piston has compressed it 'almost' 100%. Timing is rarely adjusted. Have a hot rod enthusiast to show you. A antique car show would probably be a good place to go. You could also get a repair manual to help. Also you could go to a auto parts store. Some even have loaner program for tools such as a timing light which you would need.

Answer 4

Timing light attached to #1 plug, aimed at timing marks by the crankshaft pulley. Set to specs in service manual or tag under hood. Adjustment is made by rotating distributor. Not something that has to be done regularly, usually if distributor is removed or timing belt/chain replaced.

Answer 5

not every vehicles with distributor need to be time because the computer do it automaticly. you should check the ignition timing every 30,000 miles or when you are replacing the spark plugs. timing is check weith a timing light. some vehicles will have a emisison sticker under the hood. this sticker will show how to check timing . incorrect timing will reduce horsepower,consume more fuel,emit high emission,worn out engine and other parts faster

Answer 6

it does not need the vacuum to run. this set up is designed to run with out vacuum assistance. you will need to make sure to block off the vacuum line that is currently being used however. if MSD doe not provide a cap, you can pick up a vacuum kit from any auto parts store that will contain a variety of caps. prior to removing the old distributor, make sure you bring the engine around to TDC (Top Dead Center) it makes installing the new distributor easier and less of a chance of screwing everything up.

Answer 7

When a tune up was done(once a year). You need a timing light and the repair manual for the vehicle and the pictures explain everything.

Answer 8

By probing #1 spark plug cable,pointing light at crankshaft pulley, and after loosining the dist.,turning it left or right to get the timing marks to factory specs.

Answer 9

one thing everyone forgot.... is there a timing bypass plug that needs to be unplugged before you time it with a timing light
(25bucks-harborfreight)
look it up at the library refernce books at to location and procedure for specific make and model

Answer 10

all depends on the make&model there are different procedure to go by,underhood veci label tells you if you need to unplug certain hose or use a jumper wire to adjust your timming. your car manual explains everything,if you have named your vechicle am sure you have the right procedure on here.