How do I set my engine timing?

Question

I need to know how to advance my timing on my 69 buick 350, and how much advancing I can do.

Answer 1

What kind of timing issue are you having?
With it being a 69 you most likely have points on it unless it's been converted over to HEI. If you have HEI ignore the part about the Dwell.

Set parking brake and Block both drive wheels
Verify that your RPM is set at 550 RPM with the transmission placed in Neutral (DO NOT REV THE ENGINE DURNING THIS PROCESS SERIOUS INJURY WILL OCCURE) Place the transmission back in to park

Purchase a Dwell meter and verify the dwell is at 30 Degrees, If not use your Allen wrench and adjust the dwell to 30 degrees, If it can not be achieved you need to replace the points in the distributor.

Next remove the vacuum advance from the distributor and plug the vacuum hose. Using a distributor wrench (Or equivalent) loosen the lock arm for the distributor.

using a timing light, check and verify your current timing, (If the mark is difficult to see, turn the motor off, locate the mark and use bright colored paint or chalk to mark the line.)

Adjust the timing by rotating the distributor to TDC (8 Degrees will offer better performance, but will reduce gas mileage)

Tighten the locking bolt on the distributor.

reconnect the vacuum line to the vacuum advance and recheck the timing on the motor (You may see about a 1 to 2 degree change in the timing)

If you want to Verify the dwell and timing information here is the Buick tune up web site. the 69 is about 3/4 down the page. You must make sure the dwell is set correctly other wise you can time that motor all day and it still will not run correctly. I highly recommend if this car is not a show car to convert over to HEI ignition. They perform better and will offer better results when the time comes for a tune up. Points where great in their day, but that day have come and gone. there are better ways to provide spark to an engine.

Answer 2

You advance the timing by rotating the distributor forward from TDC (top dead center). I'm pretty sure that even in '69 engines had a vacuum advance on the distributor. If it does, and it's working, that should give you all the advance you need. If it doesn't all you need is a timing light and a wrench to loosen the distributor hold-down nut.

After you loosen the nut turn the distributor in the direction of rotation ever-so-slightly, probably about 1/8th". This should advance the timing by about 2 to 3 degrees. If you go much more than that the car will likely run like crap.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Pull the vacuum advance hose off and plug it. Then you set the timing with a light at about 8 deg BTDC. Then plug the vacuum hose back on the advace and rev the motor, you should see the vacuum advance and decline when you do that. As I recall the figures are pretty close. good luck.

Answer 4

you need to loosen the bolt at the bottom of the distributor then with a timing light on the crank shaft turn the ditributor and watch the light on the crank it will move forward and back. if you advance it too far the car will not shut off properly.

Answer 5

seem at the beneath aspect of the hood. there you will have to discover the federal emissions decal telling u the dimensions and yr and stuff approximately your engine. on that label will probably be your timing mark directions. i feel u such a lot use a jumper cord for your assess engine connector. bounce from (i feel) T1 to E1. then making use of a timing gentle regulate your timing. well good fortune.

Answer 6

Turn the distibutor forward clockwise I think is what it is. Do you have a timing light? I don't think you can do alot of advancing haven't dealt with it for a while so can't remember how much you can advance

Answer 7

ill tell you the way i do it. i loosen the dist., then i start the car, and i hold the throttle about half way, and i turn the dist until it boggs down, then i turn it the other way, until the valve begin to rattle, and then i put it about half way. it worked for me. advance means faster, retard means slower.