How to set your timing

[@orangehammock]

your videos are great. in my opinion, "eric the car guy" is the only other youtube user that can even come close to competing with your expertise and informative delivery of automotive information. never stop doing this.

[@youstupidmoron]

Dudes a natural on camera. Good, clear and concise. Great job Mr Mobil 1!

[@danblondell7357]

Thank you so much. I have a 2003 Nissan Frontier, which has the same engine as your xterra. I’m new to engine and mechanic work, and I’ve been conflicted about how to time my distributor. I know I have the timing advanced quite a bit. I do have a timing light, however it is not one with an inductive pickup. I will have to peel back that distributor boot or something. Thank you again! This video truly helped

[@DesertPirate55]

Your video was a big help when I was trying to teach my son how to set the timing on an old Ford truck we're restoring together. Your explanation was much better than mine. Thanks.

[@blackdout]

Awesome video sir, thanks. Holding the camera and the light was pure talent.

[@briansmobile1]

Good question! You DON'T have to adjust it after replacing the timing belt. You would adjust it when replacing the distributor, re jetting a carburetor, dramatically modifying exhaust, or when dramatically changing altitude or for racing. Race cars that chug, chug, chug, chug at idle have been adjusted for quick acceleration and special fuels.

[@briansmobile1]

You're welcome. I really like to help or teach anyone who has a hunger to learn.

[@JamesofJesus]

Yeah, i love my crowfeet 2. Such a cheap conveniance to have. My new fav are going to be swivel extensions with quick change lock thin and the cordless rachet with 2 batterys. I once had little magnet things that fit snuggly into sockets to make sure i didnt drop nuts, not enough strengths to hold bolts though sometimes. Gotta admit im encouraging shops to do the nut and bolt sorter thing though. I salute you on the idea brian, saves time. Maybe getting a air tool wall holder shortly.

[@henrypallett5544]

Best video I've seen explaining how the gun works with the marking and such. Top job!

[@briansmobile1]

@AlMair Cars have "timing advance." Some by vacuum lines to a means on the distributor, and other are computer controlled. This advance helps compensate for doppler effect creep. Hondas have a jumper wire you can disable it with. You can plug vacuum lines too. Timing advance or BTDC (before top dead center) meaning when the plug fires is advanced or fired early because the air/fuel mix doesn't burn instantly. It doesn't take long, but long enough to require a head start.

[@Faith0929ROK]

Best timing video with plain explanation for people to understand. Thanks!

[@FA-sr6lx]

Thank you! I couldn't understand other people's explanations on how to use a timing light, but this was really easy to understand.

[@gearheadflicks]

LOVE your videos, man. every time i search to learn or refresh my memory, your vids pop up. thanks for doin what you do and keep up the good work!

[@jasonmessam1594]

best timing demonstration i've seen, thanks man you've a lot of help to my supra

[@biancataisee2180]

your videos are the best man dont stop !! better then most

[@rotfan77]

Appreciate your video, getting ready to try to do the timing on my Nissan 300ZX, haven’t used the timing that before but your video gives me more confidence, not sure which lineI’m supposed to be looking for but going to check the tag under the hood and hopefully I can figure it out. Thanks

[@briansmobile1]

@1ownjoo2 There's nothing to "check" it's factory set and can adapt for temp and altitude using an intake air temp sensor and either a map or maf.

[@tonyhaynes1350]

Finally, some i can understand even if he has a funny aussie accent. Love yah work.

[@The_Crooked_Path]

That is not an Aussie accent. Coming from an aussie

[@rwallace9848]

Hey Brian, thanks for all your time & videos. Really helps out. Your awesome man.

[@AlMair]

I love this video. It's general enough that it applies to most applications, yet still includes enough detail to be extremely helpful. Kudos, thank you, and subscribed.

[@briansmobile1]

I'm flattered- thanks for being so nice.

[@ducklandwikeno]

Brian Your video is great Im glad you upload these videos . I use to own a craftsman timing that had advace on it . But my lovely father gave everthnig away ,Now if I eed to set the timig Im screwed . My N key is not working on my keyboard sometimes .Please excuse my mistakes I make .

[@foryoumike1957]

I liked your video and I think it's very comforting the recognition and appreciation viewers express to the effort it takes you all this tutorial to reach people who may find helpful. To me it really is. Keep going forward we appreciate your great work. By the way I got a question: I understand from another video on TIMING on a geo I saw that the guy jumped a connector, now here my question: WHEN TO KNOW THERE'S A JUMPING CONNECTOR YOU HAVE TO BREACH AND WHEN NOT, AND IF YOU SKIP THIS, IS THE TEST INCOMPLETE? Sorry gentleman I see it's in fact two questions. GREAT JOB?

[@mikemccart8225]

Thank you Brian you gave me an outstanding demonstration

[@briansmobile1]

I'm flattered that you would say that- thanks

[@lilman6ft8973]

always on point and thanks for the info for my nissan had been having no fire issue had a codes for bad idle air control,electronic control module,bad crankshaft position sensor wrote them down then erased rechecked then only electronic control module code i appreciate 1nce again

[@shawnfleming1405]

I don't have a timing light, I want to advance my timing just a hair 2 degrees to advance it clockwise or counter clockwise? Thanx

[@briansmobile1]

You're welcome and thanks for the kind remarks!

[@rkparis3064]

I'm guessing you're working on an earlier Pathfinder. On my 1996 LE, 3.3, you're supposed to disconnect the lower TPS plug (brown one, NOT gray), when you set the timing.

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks for the comments help. Bet that helps someone.

[@rkparis3064]

FYI - I just saw a video and the guy disconnected both (Brown and Gray) from the TPS.

[@rafaelhuicochea2286]

Hi, Brian, your video is pretty helpful, but in order to do the adjustments I need to disable certain functions, isn't? What and how do you disable or disconnect on the Nissan Xterra 2002. Thank you.

[@NisSubieTechA]

thanks! very helpful. I only use my timing light every 2 years to prepare my car for smog checks, so I always forget how to use it.

[@ogland6482]

i have been trying to find a good tutorial because my grandma's ford escort runs terrible. best video. thanks dude 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@briansmobile1]

That all sounds right. Some odd duck cars have a -5 degrees. MOST start at 0 degrees or TDC.

[@briansmobile1]

Did the distributor come out? Or did you just move it. I don't have enough info from you to help you.

[@briansmobile1]

LOL I knew a guy in New Jersey who was a collector- he hated that too! He'd always say "AH" right after I said Porsh. It was fun to say Porsh when he was around. ; )

[@nathanielparker4593]

Thanks bro I'm about to set the timing on a 94 3.8l ford sable. Thanks again man wasn't sure how to do the job iv got the timing gun didn't even know it until I looked at my pops tools

[@briansmobile1]

@adomayor If the timing is off due to mechanical misalignment of the belt or chain etc. It won't start. If the marks are all aligned properly it WILL start, but may miss and stumble.

[@gregorybrown3387]

Hi Brian good video my 86 has two plugs per cylinder. Which one do I hook my timing light to?

[@jackiewallace1441]

I have a 83 RX7. The distributor has ben moved. Or I think it has, the last fellow that worked in it wanted to check the igniters. (It's not running well,) and pulled the distributor out to do it. Now the timing light doesn't even come close to the timing marks. It will idle at about 6-700, but will not run well at higher RPM's. what should I do to get it back in time.? Thanks Jackie.

[@brandonharrell6362]

Hey buddy. great videos!! but what do I do if I dont have any marks to indicate where to set my timing?

[@junesortore1273]

I am new at this stuff, I am tired of getting ripped off by so called willing men who don't know what they are doing but try to any way. My question is, first how to re- attach your vacuum hoses correctly and if someone twists your distributor around will that cause it to not start what to do. I don't want every thing you know right away.... just yet. Just point me in the correct direction. I am working on a 89 nissan automatic pk truck 4cyl. I just watched your timing video and thought you explained it well.

[@bolsoturbo]

Keep up the good work on providing your tips

[@RodrinBird]

I just did a HG job on my '01 Forester and I'm getting ready to mount everything back on. Does one absolutely need a timing gun to set timing or can I guide myself by the camshaft and crank sprockets timing marks to set the timing correctly?

[@edwardsmith8899]

i dont no how to thank you,today i was praying for the Lord to help me and is viewing a lot vidios and my catch your one when i was on the point to leave my nissan for enother

[@edwardsmith8899]

thanks to you got it,and thanks to my Jesus

[@wonnie46403]

not much help for my car but u explain very will .I gave it thumbs up cause its well explained an cool advanced timing gun dial

[@solomoncobb1542]

You really know your stuff man. I subscribed after watching a video where you were joking around alot, but it was helpful. I saw the one about building the shed. Your a good dude man, if you haven't been told.

[@nahunp10]

Man appreciate u help my timing is good now was the 2 teeth. Off. On timing belt. Just Like u said Muchas gracias Amigo

[@S_C_A_R_F_A_C_E]

Great stuff what your doing here Brian! Keep the videos coming buddy I just learned how to set my timing because of your video.

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

How can I tell if my timing is advanced or not? Just replaced the chain and sprockets on my 3.0 OHV ford taurus. Are there any signs like the vehicle wanting to surge forward in gear and at idle?

[@ecookman]

dude knows his stuff!

[@josephmills8076]

I have a problem with my 94 Dodge Dakota I replace the fuel pump the solenoid hose on the radiator daughter had a vapor lot the truck is still hesitating on go past 2000 RPMs my question to you will be do you think the time in jumped

[@briansmobile1]

Your cars powertrain control modue or computer does this on the fly as you go automatically. Your emissions sticker under your hood will say timing: non-adjustable.

[@estrelladelnorte1308]

hey brian in my service manual says to warm up the engine, disconect the TPS so the computer stops adjusting on you ,and set it to to 10 btdc the first notch from left to rigth would be 0 and 5-10-15-20 am i understanding this wrong?

[@Exocartonic]

great video answered the question I had after I checked the timing on my 4.0 jeep xj.

[@nightmathzombieethan]

@Shroffff Plus O2 sensors only work above a certain temperature, and until then won't give a proper reading, which is necessary to create a 14.7/1 air/fuel mixture; along with that the fuel wont vaporize as effectively till the manifold is up to operating temp (220 degrees I think) so most systems usually idle high and run rich till then.

[@briansmobile1]

@Brendaspaperclip Setting it at the factory spec is best. (everything) That means jumper terminals TE1 (V6) or TC (V8) & E1 of diag. Connector under hood with a paper clip and have the engine warmed up with the AC off and set the timing to 10 degrees BTDC. Without the jumper paperclip in the Diagnostic plug it will read between 13 and 22 BTDC.

[@Fuerzalavasoriana]

Dear Sir: I have a 1998 Toyota Corolla 1600cc mechanic. But there is not any sticker that explains the exact ignition timming for my car, ¿Do you have an idea about the correct ingnition timming(TDC) i need to adjust for my car?. ¿Can you recommend to me a good Timming light brand that can last much longer than the Chineese timming lights? . My chineese timming light lasted few minutes and never illuminated again, Thank you for your help

[@briansmobile1]

I couldn't tell you which way to turn it. Typically I don't even think about that. I just turn it and correct as needed. You could visualize what's needed by mentally tracking camshaft rotation direction etc. or just adapt like Will Smith in the "Independence Day" movie when discovering reverse on the space ship.

[@Shroffff]

so awesome. and i dont understand the whole heating of oxygen thing you where on about is that only so the sensor work better ? as the air itself has more oxygen in when cold hence inter coolers which i am sure you already know but the heating thing you mentioned confused me :/

[@spelunkerd]

@SgtMcCools1 This sounds like a good topic for myth busters. My block heater is an energy pig, and I don't idle to warm up, I try to warm up on the go. You have to consider all costs and gains. Of couse that would include any engine damage I might do by driving on an engine that is not completely warmed up....

[@rollingrocktx]

Nice video, but quick question, I have a 93 pathfinder that I picked up for hunting...can you not turn the dist to get timing set? Maybe you can provide a tad more details on the screw driver and hammer adjustment.... Thanks RR

[@thonglee6995]

On the repair manual for this engine, there is no -5 shown on the damper. It shows 0,5,10,15,20,25,30. So whatever you doing you are off by 5 degrees according to the repair manual.

[@67polara]

Yeah Brian, I can't find a vid on how to set timing on a 94 Accord. I know the basics but there's some terminals somewhere you have to jumper to 'disable' the computer during the process. One guy said the couplings were behind the glovebox but I couldn't find it. Right now I just set in like I normally would at 13-15 BTDC and she runs nice but sometime I need to get the real procedure...

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

+67dodgepolara Ericthecarguy did a video where he jumpered those points for when you make adjustments. I'm sorry but I don't remember where that is or which of his videos has the information you're looking for.

[@haroldpleasant6107]

I enjoyed that but I am having trouble sitting my 99mec sable 3.0 how to sit the timing what can I do about this??

[@akindofyoga]

What are some situations that would require you to set the timing? Is there anything other than replacing the distributor? Is it necessary to do after one changes the timing belt?

[@Grainsauce]

Can you explain what the screwdriver and socket were for, why did you have to loosen that bolt on the right ect ect.

[@johnowens8105]

I was wondering if you could help me out with timing in a 1986 Ford Bronco, 5.0 EFi?? Thank you…

[@lolley1100]

Best instructional ive seen yet. I subscribed!

[@leftyuno5820]

Now I know what those numbers on the dial are for, Thanks!

[@itsjustmannny]

I replaced the distributor o-ring on my 99 altima. And when i put the distributor back on the car feels more responsive like a little bit faster acceleration but it stays revving high when I'm on the fwy. Is the timing advanced?

[@mwd92]

do you work for your self or do u do this for side job

[@briansmobile1]

Remedy the missing tab or use a vacuum gauge to time it.

[@luisesparza278]

Hey bro I got 01 cobra i changed water pump n radiator cuz it's leaking water from the resavior and it's still happening you think the timing might be off and can cause that

[@atrevidotee]

Have to disconnect anything in order to set the timing on 2.4 L engine?

[@adomayor]

hey will an engine start if it's off timing? because I'm thinking it has to start in order to set the timing, but then people say bad timing will cause an engine not to start. What's the truth?Thx

[@briansmobile1]

You loosen a bolt or nut that secures the distributor- then you twist the DISTRIBUTOR HOUSING.

[@kenmassey2430]

hey there just one question ; do you undo the vacuum to the distributor or leave the vacuum hooked up and if you need to remove the vacuum line do you plug that line ?

[@eltiguereraso]

Hi amigo I have a problem with my 1998 Nissan pathfinder engine light came on after a bad rough idling the code I got is the P0340 and is say it is the camshaft position sensor A circuit bank 1 so I went to Nissan and they say I have o change the distributor will that really fix the problem?

[@tistansnake3]

nice vid these vids always help for the older car enthuasiast and ya that is one serious sexy strobe light :)

[@ew1usnr]

That made it look simple. Thanks.

[@deborahflint5164]

Very valuable information, Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@shanewalser124]

Hey man.Seen a few of your videos and really appreciate what you do.Thanks for the help.

[@briansmobile1]

+Shane Walser You're welcome! You can help me out by subscribing and clicking the "like" button. I have WAY low subscribership for how many views I get.

[@ronciciarelli3401]

Ml

[@EdSuggs]

My 2003 Nissan Xterra 3.3L V6 says 10 degrees on the hood and when I put the gun on it is showing lined up on the second from the left mark. Do I need to turn the distributor and if so which direction? For the record I am using a plain Jane timing gun with no thrills, its inductive. Thanks for your help.

[@MrX-bd7eg]

What are the degrees spec for a 89 toyota pick up 4 cylinder 2wd manual. I'm trying to set my timing. ur my olny hope.

[@IkariMadness]

Im going to work on the timing on a 62 merc comet. I dont have a timing light though, is it possible to work the timing in by sound? Pardon the dumb questions, Im learning as I go.

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks I'm flattered to be associated with ETCG

[@jamesstutler5713]

when timing your nissan 3.3 you disconnect the tps sensor and time accordingly

[@TopShotta713]

James Stutler can you point me to a guide on how to do it?

[@deepsquat600]

if you totally screwed iot ...at least on older cars ...get cylinder # 1 to top deadcenter ,,reinstall the distributor so that the rotor is on wire #1 ... have someone crank the engine as you slowly move the dist ..one way then the other . I assume your chevy has a smallblock v8 ??

[@briansmobile1]

@Shroffff The car idles high until it's warmed up. This make the timing marks go to the left from where they should be. (too advanced)

[@briansmobile1]

@SwampBogger I'm flattered. I feel like some one responsible should be saying "don't encourage him!"

[@briansmobile1]

GM 3.1, 3.4 family?

[@briansmobile1]

Factory is 10 Degrees BTDC, but often people recommend 12

[@serchmarc]

whats the brand and the model of your gun? i want to buy me a durable one

[@briansmobile1]

Sounds awesome- you'll love it!

[@briansmobile1]

@Fuerzalavasoriana The timing for that should be about 10 BTDC. Actron, craftsman, and Snap-on all make good ones.

[@akindofyoga]

Good to know! Thank you for your reply. You are extremely helpful with all of this stuff

[@grawey77]

@briansmobile1 I find you to be inspiring there was no need for the long explanation unless it was for the sake of others.

[@carlosfranco4028]

Hey Brian I starter replacing the timing chain on my 96 nissan sentra. and its the first time I have ever done this now the problem I have is that I didnt mark it and now I`m lost. can you help?

[@celiacarmona7813]

i have a rsx base model and its hesitating when i neex to accelerate could it be the timing off

[@Tracy_Grimshaw]

i saw how the light brought out the marks on the crank pulley. would it look like that without the camera too?

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

+Joeal Walden It'd look better. The human eye will catch the light going on and off at which timing mark much better. Flashing sources of light actually confuse the camera and make it more difficult to see, but this is the best you can with a video versus an in person tutorial.