I know this probably been asked a million times,im new to the forum so I hope this is where I should post this.i want to set the timing on my 300ci.i know it's 2.5 btdc.is there a particular timing mark I'm looking for where the timing marks are at.any help on some type of a walk through on this would be a great help.im handy with a wrench, pretty new to the old-school stuff but I'm very eager to gain knowledge since this my first classic. Thanks everyone.
I’m not sure about the marks, but a dial back timing light will be your best friend. You can use it to set zero and then figure out your marks, plus read Larry’s timing thread, set it up to those specs (30* total by 3000 or a little more and a little sooner) and you’ll be amazed at how well it runs. Old school’s awesome when it’s tuned well. Patrick
My first question is, do you have a timing light, and dwell meter? My second question is, have you ever set the timing on an old car? If the answers to both questions is yes, the first thing you should do is check the point dwell. Set it to 30* with a dwell meter. It is important to check and set dwell as dwell affects ignition timing. Once dwell is set, locate and clean the timing tab and the timing mark on the harmonic balancer. You can highlight the marks with some white or yellow paint. Pull the vacuum hose off the vacuum advance canister, and plug it. Hook up your timing light to the #1 plug wire, and battery. Aim the light at the timing tab. The timing mark should align with the line between 0 and 5 on the tab. If it does, you are done. If not, shut the engine down, and loosen the distributor hold down bolt. Restart the engine, point the timing light at the marks. Turn the distributor until the marks align. CCW rotation of the distributor advances timing, CW, retards it. Tighten the hold down bolt, and recheck timing.
For a better understanding of ignition timing, read this thread, https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/power-timing-your-buick-v8.63475/
This post should help a lot... print is your best friend. https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/power-timing-your-buick-v8.63475/
Thanks everyone, I have electronic ignition no points.guess my main question was if the timing marks had numbers next to them.i do have a timing gun.so I'll check it when I get home! Thank you
If it's a 2 barrel it's 9:1 compression, 4 barrel, 10.25:1. If you have the lower compression engine and run a lot of octane you can set it at 10 to 12 degrees. Back in the day, when I could buy 100 octane fuel, I'd set my timing at 18 degrees, plus I had a curve kit in the distributer. My total advance was 36+ degrees.
It's actually the original 2bbl engine withe the 4bbl intake. With a Holly 570cfm. I checked the timing couldn't find a notch on the crank pully. But did find a red dot? Assuming that's the mark I'm looking for it wasn't even close to where it needed to be.
Ok so there should be a notch .got it I'll get under there and clean it and make sure I'm looking at the right mark.thanks
I appreciate that thank you .I didn't realize that was actually what I was looking for.(12 hr shift at work, was a little tired)I appreciate you posting this .thanks again.
Ok...so I found out why I can't find the notch when I was trying to time it.someone installed the distributor incorrectly. The rotor is not pointing to the #1 plug wire In the correct location. All the plug wires are shifted over like three spots.so is there anything I need to know before I pull it out to move it to where the rotor should be pointed ? I did find the post about the firing order on the cap. I just don't want to screw something up. Appreciate all your guys input!
It doesn't matter where the #1 plug wire is. If it runs and you can adjust the timing, leave it alone. Did you pull and plug the vacuum advance hose before checking the timing. Make sure the timing light is hooked to the #1 plug wire, no matter where it is on the cap.
Pull the vacuum hose off the vacuum advance canister at the distributor and plug it. Then check the timing. Yes, warmed up.
