How to Adjust Timing

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual

When you refer to your car's timing, you are talking about the ignition and the process of when the spark plugs will consecutively fire to create a spark in the car's combustion chamber.

Your timing must be at the correct settings for your car to perform at top level because it affects so many factors of how well your engine will run. In newer model cars, computers control timing; however, in old cars,

if the timing is off, it has to be manually set. If you hear telltale signs of the timing of your car not being quite right, such as "pinging," or if the car runs too rich or too lean, you will need to either take it to a mechanic or adjust the timing yourself. You can adjust your own timing with just a few tools, such as a timing light available at most hardware stores or auto parts stores, and a set of socket wrenches.

Steps

1. 1
   Warm up the engine of your car.

   
   
2. 2
   Turn off the car.
3. 3
   Remove your distributor cap and rotor.
4. 4
   Remove the 2 springs.
5. 5
   Reinstall the rotor and cap.
6. 6
   Set your timing light to "36 degrees advanced."
7. 7
   Disconnect the fan and vacuum advance.
8. 8
   Disconnect the throttle sensor.
9. 9
   Loosen the bolts on your distributor.
10. 10
    Restart your car's engine.
11. 11
    Depress the gas pedal and rev the engine slightly; you will most likely do this from under the hood unless you have a partner working with you.
12. 12
    Use your timing gun to find the timing marks on your timing belt as you rev the engine.
13. 13
    Move the distributor forward or backward depending on whether you want to advance or retard the timing.
14. 14
    Align the timing marks by continuing to move the distributor and checking with your timing light.
15. 15
    Reconnect all the parts except the vacuum.
16. 16
    Start the engine.
17. 17
    Rev the engine over 3,000 rpm a few times.
18. 18
    Check timing marks again and adjust as necessary.
19. 19
    Turn off engine.
20. 20
    Reconnect the vacuum.
21. 21
    Take the car for a test drive.
22. 22
    Repeat the process if necessary.

    
    

Tips

• It is always a good idea to clean your car's parts after you remove them and check for wear before reinstalling them.

Warnings

• Remember that you are working under the hood of your car with the engine both off and on. Be sure to take the necessary safety precautions such as wearing close-toed shoes and gloves and not wearing loose clothing that could get caught in a moving part under the hood of your car.
• Be sure to allow your car's engine to cool before beginning any work on removing parts that might be hot.

Things You'll Need

• Owner's manual for your vehicle
• Set of socket wrenches
• Timing light
• Safety glasses
• Gloves, close-toed shoes
• Lubricant or degreaser (optional)
• Paper towels or shop rags

Sources and Citations

• Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Adjust Timing . All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.