How to set the timing without a timing light
 

Can anyone give me a crash introduction on how to set the timing without a
timing light on a 83 I6 258 with a stock carb?

I'm going to do a nutter bypass tomorrow and that's the only part I have no
experience with.

The NBP document says to set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC (before top dead
center). How do I know when this is reached? Can I do this without a
timing light? I do have a timing light but no experience on how to use it.

Also, my understanding on adjusting the timing is buy loosing the
distributor and turning it. Is this correct?

If anyone can pass me any information to help I would appreciate it. Links,
comments, anything.


Thanks,

Bill

Re: How to set the timing without a timing light
 

Thanks for the reply Bill. Can you clairify some points

Let me outline what you've said below.

1. Find #1 spark plug wire on Distributor.
2. Pull cap and rotate crank forward until rotor is pointing to #1.

Question: how do I rotate crank by hand?

3. Zero in on the 8 degree mark on the balancer.

Question: How do I locate the 8 degree mark on the balancer?

4. Loosen distributor body.
5. Turn on Ignition (turn key on just before cranking?)
6. Back off distributor by turning it clockwise.
7. Then slowly turn it counter-clockwise (pull forward?) until point
separate and spark with a snap.
8. Tighten down distributor.

Do I have this correct? Can you fill in the questions on how to find the 8
degree mark on the balancer and what does mean to zero in on the 8 degree
mark?

Also, I have a timing light but not sure it's working. I tested it by
putting it on the battery without the spark plug part attached but no light
came out. Should the light light up without being attached to the spark
plug?


Thanks again,

Bill


"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:3F0D0400.EB3DA8A0@cox.net...
> Hi Bill,
> More than likely the eight degrees forward is where your engine is
> set now. Anyway, you can set it by hand, by noting where number one, the
> forward most spark plug wire is in the distributor cap, then pull the
> cap and rotate the crank forward only, because you don't want the timing
> chain slop to enter into this. rotate crank so as the rotor is pointing
> towards number one in cap then zero in on the eight degree mark you've
> marked on the harmonic balance and stop. then loosen the distributor
> body turn on the ignition and back it off (clockwise) then slowly pull
> it forward until you see the points separate and spark with a snap and
> tighten it down. Learn to use your light, by connecting the thicker wire
> to number one ignition wire, inline or clamped on, then hook up it's
> power cables to the battery, they should be appropriately marked
> positive, negative. Some are powered by household 110 AC. Disconnect the
> distributor vacuum and plug, and slow the engine to as slow as it will
> run so the centrifugal advance won't be part of your initial timing.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> William Oliveri wrote:
> >
> > Can anyone give me a crash introduction on how to set the timing without
a
> > timing light on a 83 I6 258 with a stock carb?
> >
> > I'm going to do a nutter bypass tomorrow and that's the only part I have
no
> > experience with.
> >
> > The NBP document says to set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC (before top
dead
> > center). How do I know when this is reached? Can I do this without a
> > timing light? I do have a timing light but no experience on how to use
it.
> >
> > Also, my understanding on adjusting the timing is buy loosing the
> > distributor and turning it. Is this correct?
> >
> > If anyone can pass me any information to help I would appreciate it.
Links,
> > comments, anything.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Bill

Re: How to set the timing without a timing light
 

Hi Bill,
I use the start solenoid to crank the engine, just jump a hot wire
or screwdriver across form the battery cable to where the ignition
switch starter position wire would make contact. Then use a ratchet on
the front pulley bolt or just pull her through with fix fan if you have.
You'll easily find the timing marks on the front balancer and
pointer. Maybe high light them with chalk.
I think you have it right, you'll be watching the ignition "points"
to open and it's condenser discharge spark signifying the exact moment
of spark plug fire.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

William Oliveri wrote:
>
> Thanks for the reply Bill. Can you clairify some points
>
> Let me outline what you've said below.
>
> 1. Find #1 spark plug wire on Distributor.
> 2. Pull cap and rotate crank forward until rotor is pointing to #1.
>
> Question: how do I rotate crank by hand?
>
> 3. Zero in on the 8 degree mark on the balancer.
>
> Question: How do I locate the 8 degree mark on the balancer?
>
> 4. Loosen distributor body.
> 5. Turn on Ignition (turn key on just before cranking?)
> 6. Back off distributor by turning it clockwise.
> 7. Then slowly turn it counter-clockwise (pull forward?) until point
> separate and spark with a snap.
> 8. Tighten down distributor.
>
> Do I have this correct? Can you fill in the questions on how to find the 8
> degree mark on the balancer and what does mean to zero in on the 8 degree
> mark?
>
> Also, I have a timing light but not sure it's working. I tested it by
> putting it on the battery without the spark plug part attached but no light
> came out. Should the light light up without being attached to the spark
> plug?
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Bill
>
> "L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:3F0D0400.EB3DA8A0@cox.net...
> > Hi Bill,
> > More than likely the eight degrees forward is where your engine is
> > set now. Anyway, you can set it by hand, by noting where number one, the
> > forward most spark plug wire is in the distributor cap, then pull the
> > cap and rotate the crank forward only, because you don't want the timing
> > chain slop to enter into this. rotate crank so as the rotor is pointing
> > towards number one in cap then zero in on the eight degree mark you've
> > marked on the harmonic balance and stop. then loosen the distributor
> > body turn on the ignition and back it off (clockwise) then slowly pull
> > it forward until you see the points separate and spark with a snap and
> > tighten it down. Learn to use your light, by connecting the thicker wire
> > to number one ignition wire, inline or clamped on, then hook up it's
> > power cables to the battery, they should be appropriately marked
> > positive, negative. Some are powered by household 110 AC. Disconnect the
> > distributor vacuum and plug, and slow the engine to as slow as it will
> > run so the centrifugal advance won't be part of your initial timing.
> > God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> > mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
> >
> > William Oliveri wrote:
> > >
> > > Can anyone give me a crash introduction on how to set the timing without
> a
> > > timing light on a 83 I6 258 with a stock carb?
> > >
> > > I'm going to do a nutter bypass tomorrow and that's the only part I have
> no
> > > experience with.
> > >
> > > The NBP document says to set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC (before top
> dead
> > > center). How do I know when this is reached? Can I do this without a
> > > timing light? I do have a timing light but no experience on how to use
> it.
> > >
> > > Also, my understanding on adjusting the timing is buy loosing the
> > > distributor and turning it. Is this correct?
> > >
> > > If anyone can pass me any information to help I would appreciate it.
> Links,
> > > comments, anything.
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > >
> > > Bill

Re: How to set the timing without a timing light
 

1. Disconnect and plug vacuum advance hose.

2. Remove No.1 spark plug.

3. Hold finger over spark plug hole.

4. Turn engine over by hand in normal rotation direction .

5. When you feel pressure building up at spark plug hole stop.

6. Look at damper pulley and advance indicator, keep turning about 5
degrees after TDC (retarded or -).

7. Turn distibutor until rotor is lined up with #1 plug wire. lightly
snug distributor lock bolt.

8. Engine should start, loosen dist. lock bolt enough to turn
distributor, turn dist. a small amount either way until engine
smooths out, tighten lock bolt, attach vacuum advance hose.

That should get you in the ball park.

Joe


On Wed, 9 Jul 2003 22:23:48 -0700, "William Oliveri"
<wuji@bigvalley.net> wrote:

>Can anyone give me a crash introduction on how to set the timing without a
>timing light on a 83 I6 258 with a stock carb?
>
>I'm going to do a nutter bypass tomorrow and that's the only part I have no
>experience with.
>
>The NBP document says to set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC (before top dead
>center). How do I know when this is reached? Can I do this without a
>timing light? I do have a timing light but no experience on how to use it.
>
>Also, my understanding on adjusting the timing is buy loosing the
>distributor and turning it. Is this correct?
>
>If anyone can pass me any information to help I would appreciate it. Links,
>comments, anything.
>
>
>Thanks,
>
>Bill
>

Re: How to set the timing without a timing light
 

Thanks again Bill.

I'm still not quite clear how the timing marks corralate with the number 1
on the distributor.

So I turn the crank till the rotor is pointing to the #1 but then what do I
do with the 8 degree mark on the balancer?
How does that come into play?
Do I turn the crank again till the 8 degree mark on the balancer is lined up
with the pointer?


Thanks,

Bill





"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:3F0D0E49.3E8986A4@cox.net...
> Hi Bill,
> I use the start solenoid to crank the engine, just jump a hot wire
> or screwdriver across form the battery cable to where the ignition
> switch starter position wire would make contact. Then use a ratchet on
> the front pulley bolt or just pull her through with fix fan if you have.
> You'll easily find the timing marks on the front balancer and
> pointer. Maybe high light them with chalk.
> I think you have it right, you'll be watching the ignition "points"
> to open and it's condenser discharge spark signifying the exact moment
> of spark plug fire.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> William Oliveri wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for the reply Bill. Can you clairify some points
> >
> > Let me outline what you've said below.
> >
> > 1. Find #1 spark plug wire on Distributor.
> > 2. Pull cap and rotate crank forward until rotor is pointing to #1.
> >
> > Question: how do I rotate crank by hand?
> >
> > 3. Zero in on the 8 degree mark on the balancer.
> >
> > Question: How do I locate the 8 degree mark on the balancer?
> >
> > 4. Loosen distributor body.
> > 5. Turn on Ignition (turn key on just before cranking?)
> > 6. Back off distributor by turning it clockwise.
> > 7. Then slowly turn it counter-clockwise (pull forward?) until point
> > separate and spark with a snap.
> > 8. Tighten down distributor.
> >
> > Do I have this correct? Can you fill in the questions on how to find
the 8
> > degree mark on the balancer and what does mean to zero in on the 8
degree
> > mark?
> >
> > Also, I have a timing light but not sure it's working. I tested it by
> > putting it on the battery without the spark plug part attached but no
light
> > came out. Should the light light up without being attached to the spark
> > plug?
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Bill
> >
> > "L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:3F0D0400.EB3DA8A0@cox.net...
> > > Hi Bill,
> > > More than likely the eight degrees forward is where your engine
is
> > > set now. Anyway, you can set it by hand, by noting where number one,
the
> > > forward most spark plug wire is in the distributor cap, then pull the
> > > cap and rotate the crank forward only, because you don't want the
timing
> > > chain slop to enter into this. rotate crank so as the rotor is
pointing
> > > towards number one in cap then zero in on the eight degree mark you've
> > > marked on the harmonic balance and stop. then loosen the distributor
> > > body turn on the ignition and back it off (clockwise) then slowly pull
> > > it forward until you see the points separate and spark with a snap and
> > > tighten it down. Learn to use your light, by connecting the thicker
wire
> > > to number one ignition wire, inline or clamped on, then hook up it's
> > > power cables to the battery, they should be appropriately marked
> > > positive, negative. Some are powered by household 110 AC. Disconnect
the
> > > distributor vacuum and plug, and slow the engine to as slow as it will
> > > run so the centrifugal advance won't be part of your initial timing.
> > > God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> > > mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
> > >
> > > William Oliveri wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Can anyone give me a crash introduction on how to set the timing
without
> > a
> > > > timing light on a 83 I6 258 with a stock carb?
> > > >
> > > > I'm going to do a nutter bypass tomorrow and that's the only part I
have
> > no
> > > > experience with.
> > > >
> > > > The NBP document says to set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC (before
top
> > dead
> > > > center). How do I know when this is reached? Can I do this without
a
> > > > timing light? I do have a timing light but no experience on how to
use
> > it.
> > > >
> > > > Also, my understanding on adjusting the timing is buy loosing the
> > > > distributor and turning it. Is this correct?
> > > >
> > > > If anyone can pass me any information to help I would appreciate it.
> > Links,
> > > > comments, anything.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > >
> > > > Bill

Re: How to set the timing without a timing light
 

The timing mark indicate the number of degrees before top dead centre that
the crankshaft has to travel through after the distributor rotor has made
contact with the no 1 spark plug lead and has fired the spark plug. The time
that the distributor fires the spark plug can be altered a bit by turning
the distributor body.

Turn the crank with a spanner looking at the distributor and stop when then
the distributor points close and the rotor is pointing at the number 1
cylinder lead. Then, rotate the crankshaft so it points at 8 degrees btdc.
Now rotate the distributor body until the points are closing and the rotor
is pointing at number 1 cylinder lead. Repeat until you get it right.

Remember you have a Otto cycle engine - look at the valves to make sure you
are on the correct stroke !

Dave Milne, Scotland
'99 TJ 4.0 Sahara

"William Oliveri" <wuji@bigvalley.net> wrote in message
news:bej46d$5kgr3$1@ID-193866.news.dfncis.de...
: Thanks again Bill.
:
: I'm still not quite clear how the timing marks corralate with the number 1
: on the distributor.
:
: So I turn the crank till the rotor is pointing to the #1 but then what do
I
: do with the 8 degree mark on the balancer?
: How does that come into play?
: Do I turn the crank again till the 8 degree mark on the balancer is lined
up
: with the pointer?
:
:
: Thanks,
:
: Bill
:
:
:
:
:
: "L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
: news:3F0D0E49.3E8986A4@cox.net...
: > Hi Bill,
: > I use the start solenoid to crank the engine, just jump a hot wire
: > or screwdriver across form the battery cable to where the ignition
: > switch starter position wire would make contact. Then use a ratchet on
: > the front pulley bolt or just pull her through with fix fan if you have.
: > You'll easily find the timing marks on the front balancer and
: > pointer. Maybe high light them with chalk.
: > I think you have it right, you'll be watching the ignition "points"
: > to open and it's condenser discharge spark signifying the exact moment
: > of spark plug fire.
: > God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
: > mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
: >
: > William Oliveri wrote:
: > >
: > > Thanks for the reply Bill. Can you clairify some points
: > >
: > > Let me outline what you've said below.
: > >
: > > 1. Find #1 spark plug wire on Distributor.
: > > 2. Pull cap and rotate crank forward until rotor is pointing to #1.
: > >
: > > Question: how do I rotate crank by hand?
: > >
: > > 3. Zero in on the 8 degree mark on the balancer.
: > >
: > > Question: How do I locate the 8 degree mark on the balancer?
: > >
: > > 4. Loosen distributor body.
: > > 5. Turn on Ignition (turn key on just before cranking?)
: > > 6. Back off distributor by turning it clockwise.
: > > 7. Then slowly turn it counter-clockwise (pull forward?) until point
: > > separate and spark with a snap.
: > > 8. Tighten down distributor.
: > >
: > > Do I have this correct? Can you fill in the questions on how to find
: the 8
: > > degree mark on the balancer and what does mean to zero in on the 8
: degree
: > > mark?
: > >
: > > Also, I have a timing light but not sure it's working. I tested it by
: > > putting it on the battery without the spark plug part attached but no
: light
: > > came out. Should the light light up without being attached to the
spark
: > > plug?
: > >
: > > Thanks again,
: > >
: > > Bill
: > >
: > > "L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
: > > news:3F0D0400.EB3DA8A0@cox.net...
: > > > Hi Bill,
: > > > More than likely the eight degrees forward is where your engine
: is
: > > > set now. Anyway, you can set it by hand, by noting where number one,
: the
: > > > forward most spark plug wire is in the distributor cap, then pull
the
: > > > cap and rotate the crank forward only, because you don't want the
: timing
: > > > chain slop to enter into this. rotate crank so as the rotor is
: pointing
: > > > towards number one in cap then zero in on the eight degree mark
you've
: > > > marked on the harmonic balance and stop. then loosen the distributor
: > > > body turn on the ignition and back it off (clockwise) then slowly
pull
: > > > it forward until you see the points separate and spark with a snap
and
: > > > tighten it down. Learn to use your light, by connecting the thicker
: wire
: > > > to number one ignition wire, inline or clamped on, then hook up it's
: > > > power cables to the battery, they should be appropriately marked
: > > > positive, negative. Some are powered by household 110 AC. Disconnect
: the
: > > > distributor vacuum and plug, and slow the engine to as slow as it
will
: > > > run so the centrifugal advance won't be part of your initial timing.
: > > > God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
: > > > mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
: > > >
: > > > William Oliveri wrote:
: > > > >
: > > > > Can anyone give me a crash introduction on how to set the timing
: without
: > > a
: > > > > timing light on a 83 I6 258 with a stock carb?
: > > > >
: > > > > I'm going to do a nutter bypass tomorrow and that's the only part
I
: have
: > > no
: > > > > experience with.
: > > > >
: > > > > The NBP document says to set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC (before
: top
: > > dead
: > > > > center). How do I know when this is reached? Can I do this
without
: a
: > > > > timing light? I do have a timing light but no experience on how
to
: use
: > > it.
: > > > >
: > > > > Also, my understanding on adjusting the timing is buy loosing the
: > > > > distributor and turning it. Is this correct?
: > > > >
: > > > > If anyone can pass me any information to help I would appreciate
it.
: > > Links,
: > > > > comments, anything.
: > > > >
: > > > > Thanks,
: > > > >
: > > > > Bill
:
:

Re: How to set the timing without a timing light
 

Timing light must be attached to the plug wire or the light will not come
on.
"William Oliveri" <wuji@bigvalley.net> wrote in message
news:beiss6$5id4s$1@ID-193866.news.dfncis.de...
> Can anyone give me a crash introduction on how to set the timing without a
> timing light on a 83 I6 258 with a stock carb?
>
> I'm going to do a nutter bypass tomorrow and that's the only part I have
no
> experience with.
>
> The NBP document says to set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC (before top dead
> center). How do I know when this is reached? Can I do this without a
> timing light? I do have a timing light but no experience on how to use
it.
>
> Also, my understanding on adjusting the timing is buy loosing the
> distributor and turning it. Is this correct?
>
> If anyone can pass me any information to help I would appreciate it.
Links,
> comments, anything.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill
>
>

Re: How to set the timing without a timing light
 

He's got a timing light.


"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:3F0D0E49.3E8986A4@cox.net...
> Hi Bill,
> I use the start solenoid to crank the engine, just jump a hot wire
> or screwdriver across form the battery cable to where the ignition
> switch starter position wire would make contact. Then use a ratchet on
> the front pulley bolt or just pull her through with fix fan if you have.
> You'll easily find the timing marks on the front balancer and
> pointer. Maybe high light them with chalk.
> I think you have it right, you'll be watching the ignition "points"
> to open and it's condenser discharge spark signifying the exact moment
> of spark plug fire.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> William Oliveri wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for the reply Bill. Can you clairify some points
> >
> > Let me outline what you've said below.
> >
> > 1. Find #1 spark plug wire on Distributor.
> > 2. Pull cap and rotate crank forward until rotor is pointing to #1.
> >
> > Question: how do I rotate crank by hand?
> >
> > 3. Zero in on the 8 degree mark on the balancer.
> >
> > Question: How do I locate the 8 degree mark on the balancer?
> >
> > 4. Loosen distributor body.
> > 5. Turn on Ignition (turn key on just before cranking?)
> > 6. Back off distributor by turning it clockwise.
> > 7. Then slowly turn it counter-clockwise (pull forward?) until point
> > separate and spark with a snap.
> > 8. Tighten down distributor.
> >
> > Do I have this correct? Can you fill in the questions on how to find
the 8
> > degree mark on the balancer and what does mean to zero in on the 8
degree
> > mark?
> >
> > Also, I have a timing light but not sure it's working. I tested it by
> > putting it on the battery without the spark plug part attached but no
light
> > came out. Should the light light up without being attached to the spark
> > plug?
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Bill
> >
> > "L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:3F0D0400.EB3DA8A0@cox.net...
> > > Hi Bill,
> > > More than likely the eight degrees forward is where your engine
is
> > > set now. Anyway, you can set it by hand, by noting where number one,
the
> > > forward most spark plug wire is in the distributor cap, then pull the
> > > cap and rotate the crank forward only, because you don't want the
timing
> > > chain slop to enter into this. rotate crank so as the rotor is
pointing
> > > towards number one in cap then zero in on the eight degree mark you've
> > > marked on the harmonic balance and stop. then loosen the distributor
> > > body turn on the ignition and back it off (clockwise) then slowly pull
> > > it forward until you see the points separate and spark with a snap and
> > > tighten it down. Learn to use your light, by connecting the thicker
wire
> > > to number one ignition wire, inline or clamped on, then hook up it's
> > > power cables to the battery, they should be appropriately marked
> > > positive, negative. Some are powered by household 110 AC. Disconnect
the
> > > distributor vacuum and plug, and slow the engine to as slow as it will
> > > run so the centrifugal advance won't be part of your initial timing.
> > > God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> > > mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
> > >
> > > William Oliveri wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Can anyone give me a crash introduction on how to set the timing
without
> > a
> > > > timing light on a 83 I6 258 with a stock carb?
> > > >
> > > > I'm going to do a nutter bypass tomorrow and that's the only part I
have
> > no
> > > > experience with.
> > > >
> > > > The NBP document says to set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC (before
top
> > dead
> > > > center). How do I know when this is reached? Can I do this without
a
> > > > timing light? I do have a timing light but no experience on how to
use
> > it.
> > > >
> > > > Also, my understanding on adjusting the timing is buy loosing the
> > > > distributor and turning it. Is this correct?
> > > >
> > > > If anyone can pass me any information to help I would appreciate it.
> > Links,
> > > > comments, anything.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > >
> > > > Bill
>

Re: How to set the timing without a timing light
 

Woah, man they have me even confused....

To start, look down on the passenger side of the engine right above the
crank pulley. There you will find a bar with a bunch of lines on it.
If you clean this bar off, you will see numbers on top of the lines like
0, 4, 8, 12...

I use a white marker to highlight the 8 deg line so I have a reference.

Then before you start messing around, put the timing light on. It will
need power and one line tagging the spark plug wire for number 1.

Unplug the vacuum line to the distributor and plug the line with a bolt
or stick.

Start the engine and point the timing light down at the crank pulley and
the above mentioned bunch of lines.

The light will flash when number 1 fires and you will see a notch on the
crank pulley light up. (you can paint this notch white too, typing
whiteout works well)

The notch on the crank pulley will be beside one of the lines on the
gauge, this will tell you what it is set at now, before you start,
likely close to the 8 mark.

To change this pulley notch position, you loosen the distributor and
gently turn it. You might need two people for this unless you have
really long arms.

Try this before you go cutting into wires so you have a feel for it.

Once the bypass is done, start it back up and you will se the notch on
the pulley has moved a 'long' way off. You then turn the distributor
gently until it comes back to 8 or 9 degrees.

Tighten the distributor down and double check the marks.

Then you can set up the carb mix screws and enjoy!

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

William Oliveri wrote:
>
> Can anyone give me a crash introduction on how to set the timing without a
> timing light on a 83 I6 258 with a stock carb?
>
> I'm going to do a nutter bypass tomorrow and that's the only part I have no
> experience with.
>
> The NBP document says to set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC (before top dead
> center). How do I know when this is reached? Can I do this without a
> timing light? I do have a timing light but no experience on how to use it.
>
> Also, my understanding on adjusting the timing is buy loosing the
> distributor and turning it. Is this correct?
>
> If anyone can pass me any information to help I would appreciate it. Links,
> comments, anything.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill

Re: How to set the timing without a timing light
 

Do you live near anyone in this NG??
If you live near Yuba City, Ca - I'll come show you....

--
Carlo F. Serusa, Jr. RPh
carlo.jr@comcast.net
'98 Sahara TJ - '89 YJ - '79 Scout II
O|||||||O
'92 Explorer '65 Mustang


"William Oliveri" <wuji@bigvalley.net> wrote in message
news:bej46d$5kgr3$1@ID-193866.news.dfncis.de...
> Thanks again Bill.
>
> I'm still not quite clear how the timing marks corralate with the number 1
> on the distributor.
>
> So I turn the crank till the rotor is pointing to the #1 but then what do
I
> do with the 8 degree mark on the balancer?
> How does that come into play?
> Do I turn the crank again till the 8 degree mark on the balancer is lined
up
> with the pointer?
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill
>
>
>
>
>
> "L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:3F0D0E49.3E8986A4@cox.net...
> > Hi Bill,
> > I use the start solenoid to crank the engine, just jump a hot wire
> > or screwdriver across form the battery cable to where the ignition
> > switch starter position wire would make contact. Then use a ratchet on
> > the front pulley bolt or just pull her through with fix fan if you have.
> > You'll easily find the timing marks on the front balancer and
> > pointer. Maybe high light them with chalk.
> > I think you have it right, you'll be watching the ignition "points"
> > to open and it's condenser discharge spark signifying the exact moment
> > of spark plug fire.
> > God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> > mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
> >
> > William Oliveri wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks for the reply Bill. Can you clairify some points
> > >
> > > Let me outline what you've said below.
> > >
> > > 1. Find #1 spark plug wire on Distributor.
> > > 2. Pull cap and rotate crank forward until rotor is pointing to #1.
> > >
> > > Question: how do I rotate crank by hand?
> > >
> > > 3. Zero in on the 8 degree mark on the balancer.
> > >
> > > Question: How do I locate the 8 degree mark on the balancer?
> > >
> > > 4. Loosen distributor body.
> > > 5. Turn on Ignition (turn key on just before cranking?)
> > > 6. Back off distributor by turning it clockwise.
> > > 7. Then slowly turn it counter-clockwise (pull forward?) until point
> > > separate and spark with a snap.
> > > 8. Tighten down distributor.
> > >
> > > Do I have this correct? Can you fill in the questions on how to find
> the 8
> > > degree mark on the balancer and what does mean to zero in on the 8
> degree
> > > mark?
> > >
> > > Also, I have a timing light but not sure it's working. I tested it by
> > > putting it on the battery without the spark plug part attached but no
> light
> > > came out. Should the light light up without being attached to the
spark
> > > plug?
> > >
> > > Thanks again,
> > >
> > > Bill
> > >
> > > "L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> > > news:3F0D0400.EB3DA8A0@cox.net...
> > > > Hi Bill,
> > > > More than likely the eight degrees forward is where your engine
> is
> > > > set now. Anyway, you can set it by hand, by noting where number one,
> the
> > > > forward most spark plug wire is in the distributor cap, then pull
the
> > > > cap and rotate the crank forward only, because you don't want the
> timing
> > > > chain slop to enter into this. rotate crank so as the rotor is
> pointing
> > > > towards number one in cap then zero in on the eight degree mark
you've
> > > > marked on the harmonic balance and stop. then loosen the distributor
> > > > body turn on the ignition and back it off (clockwise) then slowly
pull
> > > > it forward until you see the points separate and spark with a snap
and
> > > > tighten it down. Learn to use your light, by connecting the thicker
> wire
> > > > to number one ignition wire, inline or clamped on, then hook up it's
> > > > power cables to the battery, they should be appropriately marked
> > > > positive, negative. Some are powered by household 110 AC. Disconnect
> the
> > > > distributor vacuum and plug, and slow the engine to as slow as it
will
> > > > run so the centrifugal advance won't be part of your initial timing.
> > > > God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> > > > mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
> > > >
> > > > William Oliveri wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Can anyone give me a crash introduction on how to set the timing
> without
> > > a
> > > > > timing light on a 83 I6 258 with a stock carb?
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm going to do a nutter bypass tomorrow and that's the only part
I
> have
> > > no
> > > > > experience with.
> > > > >
> > > > > The NBP document says to set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC (before
> top
> > > dead
> > > > > center). How do I know when this is reached? Can I do this
without
> a
> > > > > timing light? I do have a timing light but no experience on how
to
> use
> > > it.
> > > > >
> > > > > Also, my understanding on adjusting the timing is buy loosing the
> > > > > distributor and turning it. Is this correct?
> > > > >
> > > > > If anyone can pass me any information to help I would appreciate
it.
> > > Links,
> > > > > comments, anything.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks,
> > > > >
> > > > > Bill
>
>