How do you set the timing and idle speed of a 1998 5.7 350 with out a timing light?

Question

I know it can be done, I have done it before a while back. We replaced one of the intakes and now can't get it to run. It starts but just shuts right down because the timing is off (we assume). Trying to get this running today, so any help will be useful.

Our next step is to go buy a timing light, but trying to avoid it as we probably won't need it again and hate to waste the money.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

if that has a distributor what you need to do is pull out a plug #1 turn engine by hand with your finger over the plug hole a compression gauge works here feal for comperssion or air to push out when piston gets to top check timing mark to verify now pull the distributer cap is the rotor pointing to the rite cylinder if no pull it out ans put it back in so it does

if its distributerless look for another reason

Answer 2

If it's the original vehicle manufactured by GM that hasn't been altered, then you have an On Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) generation emissions system which is controlled by the ECM/ PCM computer in a closed feedback loop after the engine warms up. That means the oxygen sensors are sensing the air/ fuel ratio constantly and injecting more or less fuel as required to keep that ratio perfect. The engine timing is being sensed by crank and cam sensor inputs to the computer which then automatically adjust the ignition module spark timing to the proper spark advance. Likewise, the engine idle RPM is computer controlled by varying the Idle Air Controller (IAC) solenoid. Once the engine is running, you can read the computer's data stream with an OBD-II "scanner" (not just a "code reader") and see the timing and many other engine operation parameters. Instead of a timing light, I recommend buying an Actron scanner (link below). In the mean time check for good spark using the spark tester below when the engine is cranking OK but won't start and run. Then if you have good spark, spray starting fluid into the air intake and see if the engine starts, runs and stalls indicating a fuel delivery problem.

Answer 3

Timing and idle speed control are handled by sensors on vehicles with on board computers. You will have an idle speed control that reports back to the computer and there will be no need to set anything. I don't understand how changing the intake could alter timing in the first place.