89 timing. HOW ??

[89blackvette]

I have 89 6 speed. The shop manual says to set timing by the underhood sticker. Some past owner removed ALL the underhood stickers for me. What is the procedure and timing info. Thanks guys you have always bena big help since I purchased this car a couple of months ago.

 

[vigman]

Off the top of my head ( timing 84-89)

1) Pull "Brown" single pin connector by master cylinder vac booster.
( when the car is running the check engine light will light .. don't panic!)

2) remove distrib coil metal plate to gain access to the distributor locking clamp, loosen clamp. Start car.

3) Set timing to 6 DEG BTDC with timing light. tighten clamp back up.

4) Shut off car... replace connection & cover.

5) Wash hands, take car for test drive.

6) Drink celebration beer

Vig~

 

[rrubel]

A small elaboration - you adjust the timing by physically turning the distributor (IIRC, clockwise retards, CC advances, but you'll see the results with the timing light anyway...). To loosen the distributor, you'll need a very bent wrench - usually available from any auto parts store (Parts America has ones labelled Ford and Chevy...).

Also, 6 degrees before-top-dead-center means that the timing line on the harmonic balancer (at the front of the engine) is three little notches above the big notch (which is 0 degrees top dead center).

And if you knew this already. forgive me...

Oh, and step #6 above is *very* important. For me, at least, setting the timing for the first time gave me a big feeling of accompliment...

[RICHR]

 

[89blackvette]

Thanks or the help. I have been a car tinkerer for about 50 years and believe it or not I have never dealt with a distributor without vacuumn advance. You know just pull the hose and plug it with a screw. I have the beer ready, perhaps a couple before hand. Again thanks I always get courteous fast help here perhaps in the future I can return the favor and help some one here.