Need HELP Quick, TIMING

[Annivette]

I just replaced my old intake manifold with a new Edelbrock Performer. Everything has gone smoothly except for the distributer and timing. I'm new to this and have never done it before. I have a timing light, but the cables don't reach from the battery behind the driver seat. Where do i begin? I tried cranking the engine until the lines lined up with the timing mark, but was 2 degrees off every time. I just want to get it started and i'll take it somewhere and have them do the timing. HELP PLEASE!!!

 

[BeaterShark]

To connect my timing light, I use the altenator battery connection for the +12V and the intake manifold for the ground.

Didn't really understand your other question??

 

[76okievette]

I am not a expert but if all you want is to get the car started you can make small adjustments to the dist then try and start the car, you can keep this up until it starts.

I believe you can hook the timing light to the Alt and to any ground in the engine compartment.

 

[Robin7TFour]

annivette, first static time the motor. hand-turn the engine till the mark on the balancer lines up with the '0' mark on the pointer.then follow the #1 plug wire back to the distributor cap. make a mark on the dist base straight down inline with the centerline where the #1 plug wire connects the cap.
remove the cap and see if the rotor lines up with the mark you made previously.
if so, then it's timed to start. then you can adjust the timing for optimal running

bubba

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

adding to Robin's reply, make sure the motor is on a compression stroke for the #1 cylinder. if you are at 2* every time you roll it around, and it still does not start, then your distributor is probably 180* out. 8* before top dead center should be real close to getting it perfect, but i have seen then motors run with the timing 20* off. double check that you are on the compression stroke. Brian

 

[rgtrough]

Hey Annivette, did you mark the position of #1 cylinder on the distributor before you removed it. If so you should be able to drop the dist. right back into place. Look down the dist. opening to see the position of the oil pump slot. This will help you line up the dist. with the oil pump. Remember the gears on the dist. are going to turn the rotor a couple of places before it slips into position.
I use my battery charger to power my timing light, using the lower amp settings. Good luck. peace Bud