I have a question about those adjustable timing lights. With the one i have access to, you just set the dial for the desired degree of advance, point it at the pulley, and just adjust the distributor until the timing mark on the pully lines up. My questions is this: if the timing mark on the pully already points to 16deg (i think) before tdc, shouldn't i just leave the adjustment on the light at 0deg advance?
I need help on this one, because i think my timing is screwed. no detination, but shitty gas milege and sub-normal power.

 

there are multiple marks on your pully.

an advance timing gun pretty much does eveything for you, dial it in to 16, and adjust your distributor until you see the mark on your pully. this will be the TDC tick mark though, not the red mark. get it? it's a little confusing, but just break out the gun, set it at 16 (or whatever you want) and you'll have no problems.

D

 

Well like D said its kinda confusing, but here goes. When you dail your timing light to 16 your white mark on the timing belt should move down and line up with the pointer on the block indicating you are at 16 degree. Now when you advance it you want to turn the dail to 18 and you will notice the white mark will move down a little below the pointer. Now move the distributor until the white mark align itself with the pointer again. The adjustment on the gun lets you know how much to move the distributor. You will notice that after you align the white mark to the point and turn the dial back to zero, the pointer on the block will now align itself with the lower mark instead of the middle one.

 

thanks... my timing must be -way- off. I'll have to get the tools out this weekend