Warren_LowSol

Okay guys, so I need to replace my distributor and some people have said that ill need a timing light to Do it and some others have said that I don' need to worry about it because it won't change.. What exactly do I do?

TheShodan

iTrader: (14)

Typically you won't need a light if you're just swapping out the distributor itself. this is assuming of course, that the car has proper timing before the switch out.

IF you're already properly timed, THEN no timing light is needed.
IF you've changed out other items that affect timing , THEN a Timing light is recommended. (you can even rent one from a Pep Boys)

There you go. Now go work.

JRCivic1

If you are replacing a factory OE distributor with another factory OE distributor, I would agree with TheShodan above that you can essentially bolt it on... although I would suggest you visually note how much of the adjustment slot is exposed both at the front and the rear edge of the top mounting post and install the replacement ECU in effectively the same place. This should be close as far as ignition/distributor timing goes. Now, if you are buying some cheap/crappy auto parts store or Ebay distributor, the sensors internally are not necessarily in the same physical place as those found in a factory distributor, so you should certainly check the distributor timing with a timing light.

TomCat39

I'm of the school that if the distributor is removed, it should be retimed with a timing light.

The only time I wouldn't slap a light on it is if I have marked it's position and then I am putting the same distributor back on in that same spot.

If the distributor is changing, I break out my timing light and retime the car. It doesn't make sense to me not to get the ignition timing spot on and since even 1 mm of movement will change at least a degree, maybe 2 on the ignition timing, I'd rather know I've set it spot on.

Basic timing light was only 50 bucks so it's not like it's not versatile on these older cars.

JRCivic1

The proper way... is what he said.

Freedo_Civegra

As a mechanic of 16 years, I 3rd using the timing light. That's the propah way, dear.

Relic1

4th, 4ths, add another vote to checking the timing with a light after changing the distributor.
can you get by without it, yes
would it bother me cause I do not know for sure that it's right.... yep.
My local Autozone has a 'rental' program that's a [overpriced] full price deposit on pickup, then they return the full deposit on return, net cost is $0 if it comes back in the same condition as it left in (or better)
Not sure if this is company wide, but it's worth asking around to see if you have something like it near you.

You can always get it close with the marking method then check the timing with the light in the parking lot of the store you get the light from. (I've done this a ton of times before I bought my own light)
The advantage to this, they will not even charge your credit card for the deposit since it will be back so quick.

egsleepercivic

agree with above, if you putting the same one back in and could mark it before removal, then no

New unit, recommend a timing light

edit - if you are in central florida lmk I got one you can use or i can even help you set it