[53fordguy]

i need to time my caddilac and i dont have a timing light that work..... how would i be able to know its in time...... 89 eldorado 4.5l dfi

 

[Siggy_Freud]

By borrowing a timing light and doing it right. Should be set at 10 degrees. With it being FI you want to get it as accurate as possible.

 

[53fordguy]

bdc or tdc

Is that bdc or tdc?

 

[cboy]

If the car starts, you can also time it by using a vacuum gauge off a vacant port on the manifold. Adjust the distributor until you have the maximum vacuum and then retard it a degree or two.

Dewey.

 

[Siggy_Freud]

10 degrees BTDC.

While cboy is correct in his method of timing, keep in mind this is a computer controlled car. Some are very specific to the amount of vacuum (specially those run on a speed density type setup) they want at idle, and what base number the timing is set at. If Cadillac wants 10 degrees BTDC then thats what I'd give them. Once you have tore into the engine and changed parts and the computer for tha matter, its your own choice on what works best for timing. But with it as a stock application, you'll want stock timing settings.

 

[oldschoolrods]

I'd go with siggy's advice on timing for a fuelie, but when I timed mine i took the advice of a couple old gearheads I know, they said the book says 6 BTDC, run 10 you'll be able to hear when it's running better and sure enough they were right

 

[lluciano77]

If the car starts, you can also time it by using a vacuum gauge off a vacant port on the manifold. Adjust the distributor until you have the maximum vacuum and then retard it a degree or two.

Dewey.

That is not a very good method.

The best way is to get an advance analyzing timing light and do it right. The time and money for a teardown to change a blown head gasket etc. will warrant the cost of the timing light.

 

[67 Deuce 4 Me]

New Member

Remember. computer controlled cars you must disconnect the timing bypass wire or wires to set base timing.