Engine timing brainiacs

[CrashTest]

I need to set the timing on one of my SBFs. I want base timing of 10 degrees BTDC. Can I rotate the crank by hand until the timing marker reads 10 degrees on the balancer and then rotate the distributor until the #1 plug connector on the distributor cap is even with the rotor?

Too much trouble to take the car out and drive it around until warm and pull out a timing light.

 

[GWguy]

I need to set the timing on one of my SBFs. I want base timing of 10 degrees BTDC. Can I rotate the crank by hand until the timing marker reads 10 degrees on the balancer and then rotate the distributor until the #1 plug connector on the distributor cap is even with the rotor?

Too much trouble to take the car out and drive it around until warm and pull out a timing light.

No. Even a fraction of a degree off and it will be wrong. Eyeballing the rotor will be way off.

 

[CrashTest]

Thanks. Guess I'll just have to eyeball a rotating balancer against a timing pointer with a flashing light.

 

[limblips]

I need to set the timing on one of my SBFs. I want base timing of 10 degrees BTDC. Can I rotate the crank by hand until the timing marker reads 10 degrees on the balancer and then rotate the distributor until the #1 plug connector on the distributor cap is even with the rotor?

Too much trouble to take the car out and drive it around until warm and pull out a timing light.

If you insist on not using a light, you can get it closer than the calibrated eyeball method by pulling the #1 plug, grounding it, set the crank indicator to 10° BTDC and slowly rotate the distributor until the plug fires. Do it a time or two and to verify and lock it down. You will be close but not balls on accurate.

 

[Ken King]

Take the few extra minutes to break out the timing light, warm the vehicle and do it the right way.

 

[glhs837]

If you don't have a light I think I have one gathering dust I can lend you

 

[Ken King]

If you don't have a light I think I have one gathering dust I can lend you

He said he has one but it is too much trouble breaking it out.

 

[CrashTest]

If you don't have a light I think I have one gathering dust I can lend you

I have a light, but it's starting to snow outside, I have to open the garage door to run the car, and the car is pretty loud. Not neighbor friendly. Just have to wait till it's a bit warmer and drive it to an empty parking lot.

 

[baxter]

LAZY! Do it your way, then spend a few times doing it right......are you a government employee?

 

[DoWhat]

......are you a government employee?

 

[itsbob]

Why don't you just synch it to GPS time? Easy Peasy.. your timing will always be dead on.

 

[CrashTest]

LAZY! Do it your way, then spend a few times doing it right......are you a government employee?

Obviously you know nothing about the Gov. The Gov would find someone else to do it and give them a blank check. Since I'm doing it all myself, doesn't matter how long it takes. It's free.