[302truck]

Can you guys tell me if i can set my timing with a standard timing light ..I have been told that my timing should be around 32 to 34.. Is there any way that i can do this with a standard timing light ..I figured out why the motor was spiting back threw the carb..It was the distributor i put new weights & springs & a new pickup so it does good other then not knowing for sure about the timing.I have it at 16 about 800 rpm's ..It seems to run ok..But i'm not forsure if thats where it should be..Thanks again for the help

[firechicken383]

"Can you guys tell me if i can set my timing with a standard timing light ..I have been told that my timing should be around 32 to 34.. Is there any way that i can do this with a standard timing light "

Yes you can, but you need some timing tape. You can get it for around $6-$10.

[302truck]

how does that work?

[lluciano77]

I got an advance analyzing timing light for my Ford. It has a potentiometer, (a knob) that you dial in your initial advance with.

[Frisco]

Originally posted by 302truck
how does that work?

Timing tape has a self adhesive backing. Clean your harmonic damper and install the tape on it in a clockwise direction when looking from the front of the engine. Line up the '0' mark on the tape with the engraved line (0) mark on the damper.

Hook up your timing light. Warm up your engine to operating temp and then dis-connect the vacuum advance hose from the distributor and plug it. Re-connect this hose AFTER you have set the timing.

Increase the engine RPM to around 2500-2800 and check the timing. You will read the amount of advance where the pointer lines up with the degrees on the tape. Adjust your distributor as required to the timing you want. Try 34-36 degrees as a starting point. If you get any pinging when using moderate throttle in high gear going up a slight hill; back off the timing 2 degrees and re-test.

[302truck]

Thanks frisco ill do that and let you know how it works.I dont know if i will do it today it is like 14 below 0 in michigan today.can i get that timing tape at auto zone? thanks brian

[k-star]

You can also do it another way.

Take the diameter of your balancer X 3.14159

Then divide that answer by 360

This will give you what 1 deg is, in inches around the outside of the balancer.

Then take that answer x the number of degrees you want.

example 8.0" balancer

8.0 x 3.14159=25.13272 divided by 360=.069813 x 36 degrees of total timing =2.51327

So if you take a flexable tape and measure from the 0 mark 2.51327 and mark your balancer. that would be 36 degrees with you standard light.

keith