Engine Building 101 How To Set Ignition Timing

[@ruthharter3374]

thank you so much. small at home repairs are so much easier when competent folks like you put out videos like this one. I appreciate you. I am a single mom with three boys. Hopefully they can learn something by seeing mom fixing her own vehicle.

[@jackmurrieta8513]

I have a 350 small. block 5 7 v8 1989 chevy 1500 scotsdale Truck 2wheel drive

[@yourmomsschlongdong]

@@jackmurrieta8513 who in gods name asked?

[@kimd88888]

Took the fear out of what needed to be done for a newbie classic owner non-mechanic. Own a 58 straight 6 Apache. Have someone who will do this for me but hopefully after this will be able to do it myself to keep it running. It's all original so want to keep it that way so have a lot to learn. Thanks!

[@hiddensetting5238]

Been trying to understand timing for almost 15yrs now, paid at least a GRAND over the years just to have my timing done. NOW I UNDERSTAND that I could do it MY damnself. I already had a slight understanding of it, I actually LEARNED from this dude how to use a timing light without him explaining it? I don't know about anybody else but I learned a BOATLOAD of information I can use on my rebuild. Thanks A LOT! If you didn't help anyone else you helped me, so THANKS.

[@eternal7_gaming340]

I want to say thank you to zak. Great great video. I followed all the instructions you gave me and now my car is on TDC it started right up with no problem thanks again. 5 thumbs up..

[@ItsJustJesterr]

Great video! Been looking for an informative video about timing adjustment. Yes; there are a few, but they don't go as in depth as you did. I've probably watch 15 videos on this subject, and after watching yours, I finally understand it! Thank you!

[@MosKarck]

Thank you very much! You are very talented at verbal expression and teaching. You totally trained me here. I have 1977 pontiac grand prix with 400 ind it and it had irritating off idle bog at factory 16 btdc timing. It was unkown to me that the motor might have been rebuild at somepoint so thats why i had it there. We hunted the offidle bog from the carburetor whitout luck and then i figured the engine must have been rebuild at some point and i would be better off checking if the timing is too advanced! We thought first that few degrees wrong cant cause offidle bog... But after trying for a bit i found out it really likes 8btdc. AND NO OFFIDLE BOG. Im so happy now!

[@tpayne2110]

i think thats wut my problem is. i have to assist it in starting by pumpin the throttle linkage but once it starts up. it has a bit of high idle and it sounds like might to advanced. my engine is also a rebuild, nd im no mechanic by any means but i think i know jus enought o get me by. but wut u sed makes sense

[@DudeNumber6]

This is the best simple and easy to understand timing adjustment video I have seen out of many. You make everything very clear, thanks.

[@carlitosbrillante3329]

Frs everyone else dont explain anything they just doing it and recording but this guy is good

[@adaboy4z]

Finally a hands on tutorial demonstrating actual movement of the distributor.

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

Thank you!!!

[@biggamehunter04]

This the best video explanation about setting timing on youtube . Thank you very much .. I will try to set my timing asap.

[@graemerowe264]

cheers mate, just had a 2110CC vw motor built that would run rough and spit back through the dual carbs. found it firing on idle at TDC and only advancing to 20degBTDC@3000rpm. hooked up my timing light, ran up the revs to 2500 and adjusted dizzy to fire at 32deg BTDC. Now it idles at 12deg BTDC.

[@afromapouka]

Blessings for sharing that info, its becoming harder to be a weekend warrior on your vehicles these days with all those sensors and computers programming. This info lent nostalgia and useful info to the public and gives hope to the vehicle owner who want to keep their vehicle in good repair for a long time, Jah Guide.

[@petermontanez2339]

thank you you are so cleare and you helped understand it better, i watched on the topic ignition timing and after so manny years i actully can go on and set my timing correctly, again thank you you been a big help, keep it up iam sure thiers a lot of people that depend on you.

[@INTERNA9]

Thanx again....watching again after 7 years.......

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

I’ve got a new one with some more info that you may find helpful as well. Thank you!

[@jerryscarborough4751]

At last!!!!!! I now understand how to set initional & advanced timing!! Now I need to find initial setting for a '79 buick 231 3.8 V6--Thanks again

[@JuanRamirez-zf8fv]

Great video, this is probably the most simplified video on ignition timing I've ever seen. Got a 62 impala with a 283 im trying to bring back from the dead lol

[@DragonloorGaming]

Amazing video! This video made me understand how Ignition timing works. Deserves more attention and more viewers!

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

Thank you so much. Trying to get my wife to record for me to do more videos haha

[@Duddie82]

I have a 1978 Camaro, with a 350 engine, I am going to be putting an edelbrock intake on it soon. Thank you for showing how to set the timing.

[@m.j.miller9984]

Well done. Simply explained and well demonstrated. Thanks, helped me get my '76 C10 Scottsdale back in running shape!

[@theprodigalpatriot6055]

Awesome video man! you did a perfect job at putting it in layman terms. I learned more from your video than hours reading technical manuals.

[@baltod4978]

A few things. 1.) Thank you for explaining everything (besides how to hook up the light gun). You made it really clear what the degree tabs meant, and what turning the distributor CW and CC would do to the timing. How that equates to when within the down stroke or power stroke the ignition would fire. I really appreciate that. 2.) Your truck sounds amazing. I've got a Olds Custom Cruiser 305 TBI wagon that I love, and I can only wish that one day I'll be able to make it sound as good as yours does. 3.) You stated that the engine was running at 4 degrees before TDC. Is that bad? Would you ever want it at 0 degrees? 4.) What made you want to set it at 12 degrees? How would I know "where I want" the timing to be? Your truck sounded fine at 4 degrees... so I'm a little confused.

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

+balto d Thank you for you response and kind words. To answer your question there is actually a lot to it. As far as the exhaust it was just open headers. For the timing thing I will make a video in the next day or two to explain it but it really depends and the type of fuel you are running ( octane ) I was running a mix of pump gas and race fuel (110 octane ) so the 110 octane burns slower than pump gas so it requires more advance timing to burn it properly. I will post a video that will hopefully answer your question better. If you need me to clarify something here just ask. Thank you!

[@frankdavidson9675]

conn light gun red and black clips black to gd red to +12volts (battery )take the next cord it gos to plug wire some use#1 i use #6 as you spin eng that gun will flash hold it so you read tdc mark and degree marks easy

[@Peenurpool]

... Your neighbors must have loved this video too Dude.... open headers sound awesome 👍

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

At the time we was on 20 acres no one could really hear us. The camaro on the other hand got the cops sent to the house in town lol

[@Peenurpool]

@@ZaksMuscleMotors I broke in a cam I just installed into a 496 Chevy BB, and had open headers... garage located in middle of neighborhood... a buddy of mine all the way across town heard it and said he was late his ass off haha... No cops called even though this was like 9pm... I figured they are used to me by now anyway 😬....

[@carlsmith8819]

thank you for the awesome video on how to set the timing . i just purchased a nice old chevy truck (1981) ,and im changing all the plugs ,wires, and distributor cap and rotor . i havent done the timing on a vehicle in many years so it was awesome to see someone show me all the steps again .. good job .

[@deltabrogden3350]

Good explanation. It one of the best ones I have seen.

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

Thanks I appreciate that. I have a new one I think is better check it out

[@claycan2]

The best tutorial I have ever seen on engine timing. Great job!!

[@samhicks97]

You sir just helped me understand engine ignition timing so much better than those sponsored type videos like summit or engine masters. thanks again. Now i can get back into ignition timing with more know-how confidence with my 361 mopar Big-block!

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

Your very welcome thank you for watching!!! I'm going to remake this video as there is A LOT I've learned over the last 4 years and want to make this video even better.

[@samhicks97]

I look forward to your next upload! and well explained videos!

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

It won't be long! I'm working on a couple right now. I need a camera man lol. Good luck on your motor! If you need help you can always call me. Phone number is on here and on my Facebook page Zak's Muscle Motors

[@samhicks97]

Will do Zak, will do. ;)

[@FULLEBLUNTD]

Thanks bro my nova was not starting quickly and correctly like it once did plus dying out while driving didn't seem to have the enough power. I adjusted the tdc to a higher setting (to the left) sounds better & starts up like it used to ready to go and fly. Thanks again

[@gabemckinney5354]

I am nearly 75 years old and it has been over 50 years since I set the timing on a truck. My Penski timing light has been in the attic since we built our house in 1976 .

[@ironhorse127]

The absolute best explanation of ignition timing I've heard. Great video. Thx for taking time to make it.

[@carmechanic03]

Very very well explained video, I watched others but I couldnt get how to set it correctly. Thank you

[@kevsta67]

very thorough simple explanation.great video

[@majorthomas7255]

I liked the video. I have a dodge 440 that I'm working on. Need as much horse as I can get. Thanks again.

[@McCoyARMY2009]

I am doing a rebuild on my 351, Just want to let you know that this video was well done. I now know how to time my truck when it comes to that part of the rebuild process... Subscribed right.... meow

[@miguelrazo7498]

Great video, I been stuck on how to adjust the timing on my new project car. My 1984 El Camino I believe has a 305 but I am sure it's the same steps. Ill be trying this tomorrow morning so I was searching for a video and found yours. Thanks again for sharing the video!

[@King-qv1pd]

Hey Zak Lamb I appreciate the video of how to set the timing on a Small Block Chevy. One of the things that I really wished was for my dad to show me before he passed how to set the timing on my 350. He loved working on these older engines and told me they are super fun engines to work on. He was a master technician for Gm, Ford and a few other automakers. This video helped to clear up several questions I had. Could you do a video on how to install timing chains/ gears for sbc's? I'll be purchasing a timing gear set for my 350 and would love it if you could show me how to install, correct timing if it is off on the timing gear. My engine runs fine but it's worn out and I wanted to put a little more life back into him before I try and rebuild it. Thanks for your help and tech info.

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

Your very welcome and your in luck I am working on a timing gear/ chain video right now! Hope it helps and I love the gear drive that's what I'm putting in the new build for my Camaro. Subscribe and get it as soon as it's up loaded. Hope you find them all to be somewhat helpful and as I go I'll get better at explaining.

[@King-qv1pd]

Zak Lamb sweet thanks. I already am.

[@williamcharles9480]

Zak, you gained a new subscriber. I'm a Ford man even though I've owned and raced a few old Chevies in my day. I checked through your other interests and found that you also like trains both big and small, also like me. Between your other interests and your taking the time to help out some new folks with understanding their engines with some of your knowledge, I figured that you deserved a new subscriber. Looking forward to more of your productions. All the best to ya.

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

Thank You! I just seen this comment and one of my favorites! Call me we will talk trains and motors lol. Thanks for the well wishes my friend!!!

[@NumberOneWithACoke]

This video made ignition timing easy to understand. Thank you and Happy 2016.

[@dakotadriggers8838]

great video, was stuck trying to advance the timing on my ford and couldn't figure out why the distributor wouldn't turn, didn't even cross my mind that there's a bolt to loosen

[@steelcitycaprice.899]

Thanks for an AWESOME illustration on how to setup timing. 👍😎

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

@Mrblueroads I would say it sounds more like a starter issue as well when they get old and get hot they tend to need to cool down before they will start. Thanks guys for the help

[@jamesniece8449]

Seriously, Zak. All around great video. Well articulated and knowledgeable. Couldn't ask for more. Keep up the good work!

[@michaeldolson2397]

very informative video! thank you so much! I accidently turned my distributer, it was not tightend down!

[@williamtbwright]

Awesome tutorial! Please don't stop making these.

[@jerez.2133]

awesome information straight to the point great video

[@tpayne2110]

omg bro u made this sound alot easier much more understandable! thank so much!

[@playthellmarshalli5190]

This video was right on time for me. I used it for my 69 Impala 396. Good Job!

[@bicycle697]

Zak, nice job! You did a good job explaining timing. Thank you!

[@orlandoamaral]

Cool man, very informative. Helped me with with my Olds Cutlass 75, I really appreciate it.

[@michaeldurocher6599]

Excellent video dude!!!!!

[@qjmad]

By far one of the most helpful videos I've seen, definitely subscribing. Thanks for the help!

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

@Skeeter66 Your welcome. When it comes to setting your idle speed have everything set up as if you were about to hit the road. If you cap off or disconnect the vac advance line from the card you will only find yourself making adjustment after adjustment when you start connecting everything back together. Just have it all hooked up to the carb fire it up and adjust your idle sped to where ever it makes you happy. Hope that helps thanks for watching

[@72troy455]

Good simple explanation of whats going on. Nice job.

[@93HOVER]

My 350 chevy c10 is running weird and my friend adjusted my timing, I think he did it wrong now im gonna go get one of these and try thanx man.

[@charlesb5318]

Good video, nice camera angles and very informative

[@mattao313]

best ignition timing video on KZbin thanks man

[@reesegarcia3893]

Thanks for the info, other people have told me how to do this but this video made a lot more sense I got a 1975 chevy nova I'll do this to once I get the engine I rebuilt in it

[@benjaminreyes87]

Good vid. Great explanation. Thanks. Was having issues with an IROC. Helped alot.

[@ikecar5845]

Very good lesson on timing, thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@irfaanismail602]

Brilliant video. Best video on KZbin giving a detailed explanation. Thank you. Would you mind doing a video on how to set points on a distributor?

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

I have a vehicle that I just might be able to do that on. We did it a few weeks ago but unfortunately I wasn’t able to film it at the time. I’ll see what I can do.

[@Billyd4Reel]

Dude, great short, smart, snappy explanation and also efficient video. Boosh!

[@Duddie82]

Thank you for explaining timing. Very good video. Thank you!!

[@jopisano67]

Very clear to understand. Thanks..

[@CarlBoudreau]

Your explanation are very clear!! Thanks.

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

@olboothboy on your harmonic balancer or " Damper " there is a line grooved in it. As the light flashes when the cylinder fires that line will show on the timing tab when the light hits it. When you find the line mark it with white or yellow paint maker to see it easier when the timing light flashes on it. Hope that answers your question buddy if not let me know

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

@axialSXTen CrawlCA If you have a distributor like this and not a coil pack yes. This is a basic foundation for timing on all engines running a similar distributor setup. Keep in mind some manufacturers have strict specifications for stock timing based upon why the engine is being used for compression and even the fuel that it calls for

[@KhafidIbrahim]

Best explanation I've heard so far! Thanks !

[@carlosleon1162]

good video and explanation

[@tommyrp14tp]

Great video man, im no car guru so you helped me alot with this video, keep it up brochacho!👏

[@awesomeluis]

Thank you so much. Made sense and very well explained.

[@Lance2499609]

Awesome job explaining and demonstrating

[@edouarddose5200]

GREAT help! Thank you for taking time to make it.

[@2102Chris]

Very well explained.

[@EricVonGreatonstein]

Subbed. Thank you for concise explanation. I am converting 1997 vortec v6 to carb. Thats why I watched.

[@tobroke2007]

Yes great video. I've also as some have said watched about 10 videos and yours is the best for some that's new to setting your timing or some that's it's been awhile. For me it's been awhile. Ty for dumbing it down enough that I get it lol.

[@Ford0815]

Very educational video! Very helpful! Thank you

[@blbarnes]

Great Video!!! Taught me a lot and very good at explaining!

[@phamskustoms]

Thanks good video on the steps and process very helpful

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

No problem! This one holds more information and you should find it helpful as well!

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

Engine Building 101 Ignition Timing

[@bobdefalco]

A pretty darn nice explanation. Thanks for sharing!

[@joshuakeith8710]

7 years later and still replying. Well done. 👌🏼 Does one still plug the vacuum source if running with manifold vacuum instead of ported? Thank you

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

+Peyton Barnett Thank you for your question and I want to try to help you as best I can. If you haven't seen it I have a brief video about that. Does it try to fire at all? Do you have power to the dist? If it does the to fire have someone try to start it while you move the dist around to see if it will run? But I guess bottom line does it try to fire and run at all?

[@peytonbarnett9544]

It doesn't even try to fire the previous owner told me that it smoked out from under the distributor cap so I bought a pickup coil from my workplace and will be trying it next

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

I am assuming you still have power to the dist? Do you have spark to the plugs? Can you email me @ [e-mail] I can respond faster that way

[@nizhasham433]

Thanks for the video & explanation. First time Yank owner here in Scotland 1981 ElCamino with good wrench 350SBC. Had lots of problems since getting her but videos like yours really help. Do you have a video for setting the mixture? Thanks Niz

[@PitanHummus]

Zak, Excellent tutorial! Keep this up.

[@aquamarinechevy]

Man your the bomb! Straight to the point, great knowledge, great footage👍🏽👍🏽

[@juanalvarado1599]

Thank u for sharing with us ur video I'm having problems with my 1987 Chevrolet monte carlo i changed the distributor but it still out of time i moved the distributor a little bit it turned on but it doesn't stay on for long time i know it has something to do with the timing i just don't know which is the best way to adjust the time on it if u can share any tips how to adjust it i will really appreciate it i like the way u explain everything

[@123456789MountainMan]

Thank you! Great video, and very well explained!

[@kevinjohnson6378]

your a great teacher.

[@rafaelmoreir]

Thank you, very good explanation.

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

@Jerkwaad the white line the the dampener is the timing mark in relationship to the #1 piston on the compression stroke before or after top dead center which is when know how to read the pointer and the tape or marks come into play

[@DTFLexX]

That Carb Sounds Amazing!!

[@carlojuanchofuntanilla]

will wrong timing cause hesitation? thank you nice video

[@paulmartinson2020]

yes

[@geekdromesucks]

Great video! Thanks. Also the truck sounds like a beast.

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

@Ram Skirata Let me make a video kinda explaining that a little more because it gets really in depth but basically it depends on your compression ratio so what octane fuel will it take to get that cylinder to produce the most power and how fast or slow does the fuel burn. Stock between 4-8 degrees TDC is fines on 87 octane if your running a little higher compression and using a slower burning higher octane fuel you want to advance it a little more to give that slower burning fuel time to burn at it max potential. I will make a video for you my friend thank you

[@Jerkwaad]

Hi. Does the white painted mark on the crankpulley represent TDC cyl.1 or a specific amount of degrees before TDC?

[@edwardsolis7567]

Good job 👍🏽

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

Thank you, did you watch the updated one?

[@331675]

Very Good! Thanks Thomas....

[@smkeatr65]

Nice job explaining! Thumbs up!

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

Hey everyone I got a new video coming out. Also I'm sorry it had taking so long to get with you. I just moved shops and its been a busy time so for those i haven't helped I'm sorry. I will try to make a couple videos in a couple days to answer your questions. Everyone thanks for watching and subscribing you are all great with your comments THANK YOU!!!!!

[@GuessWho785]

@Zaks Muscle Motors I notice in many videos people set total advance and you briefly touched on it but didn´t perform it. Is it needed to set total advanced? I talked to a neighbor and my father who have wrenched for 40+ years are both in their 60s and they said they hadn´t ever heard of performing total advance..this is how I described total advance to them and I have seen people say to set total advance this way: turn the dial or punch a button (depending which set up you have) on the timing gun to 33-36* advanced, and with the rpms at a steady 2500-3000 rpms point the timing light at your marks on the timing chain cover and advance or retard the distributor until the marks line up with zero on the harmonic balancer. Can you shed some light on the subject, Zak or anyone? Thanks

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

@@GuessWho785 hope this helps ya!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3aqmqismLJmZ7c

[@detectiveareafour3030]

Great video!

[@sam111880]

thanks i understand how to do that curious of two things 1) what happens if you don't put the inductor/signal wire of the timing light gun on spark plug 1 , say spark plug 2 2) how general is this procedure for distributor based ignition systems can you use the same timing light guns / same procedure to do all of the distributor based ignitions systems even for ATV or motorcycles or do you need a different rating current rated gun

[@ZaksMuscleMotors]

This procedure is related to the vast majority of your pre computer controlled ignition timing vehicles. If it has a computer that controls a coil pack this won't work as there is no way to manually adjust the timing out side of reprogramming it in the control system. You must follow what the procedure is for your engine however I have never done what that required any other cylinder and of the top of my head don't know of one that requires you to set timing off of another cylinder. It is ( in every one I've ever done) based on the cam, crank, and distributor relation with the number 1 cylinder it at, before or just after TDC. As for the atv I don't have a lot of knowledge on those however I'm sure most of them are operated of of a magneto so the procedure would be completely different. Hope this helps!!! Any questions just ask!

[@G70570]

Great Video well explained

[@kenzo5716]

Pull the vacuum line from the distributor at which point it connects to the carb. Put your finger over the port opening on the carb and see if it is sucking vacuum at idle. If you feel is sucking vacuum, then you have it connected to the wrong vacuum port on your carb. You need it attached to the vacuum port with no vacuum sucking until you give it throttle. Find the port with NO vacuum at idle. Then connect your distributor to that one.