6/3/2023 0 Comments Timing light autozoneWhile using the timing light to look at the timing marks on the crank and timing cover, rotate the distributor to make the necessary adjustments. If your vehicle has a computer, overlooking this step will prevent the computer from accepting the adjustments. Tip: Some vehicles require you to install a jumper wire on an electrical connector to short or break the connection with the vehicle’s computer so timing can be adjusted.Return to the adjusting nut or bolt on the distributor and loosen it enough to allow the distributor to rotate. Step 1: Loosen the adjusting nut or bolt. Free repair manuals Autozone provides free online repair manuals for certain makes and models Autozone.Tip: If your vehicle has vacuum-assisted ignition timing, disconnect the vacuum line going into the distributor and plug the line with a small bolt to prevent a vacuum leak while the timing is being adjusted.If the timing is out of spec, you will need to adjust it in order for the engine to run at maximum performance. Now is a good time to attach your timing light to the battery and number one spark plug and shine the timing light at the crankshaft pulley.Ĭompare your readings to the manufacturer's specifications in the factory repair manual. This is indicated with the temperature gauge needle reading in the middle of the gauge. Start the engine and allow it to rise to an operating temperature of 195 degrees. Part 2 of 3: Determining if adjustment is needed If ignition timing needs to be adjusted, loosen this nut enough to allow the distributor to rotate so timing can be advanced or retarded. Step 3: Loosen the adjusting nut on your distributor. Tip: If you do not know which cylinder is #1, consult the factory repair information for the firing order.Most timing lights will have three clamps.Ī positive/red and negative/black clamp is hooked up to the vehicle’s battery and a third clamp also known as the inductive clamp, clips around the number one cylinder’s spark plug wire. Tip: These marks can be observed while the engine is running by illuminating this area with the timing light to check and adjust ignition timing.There will be a mark on the crankshaft pulley along with degree mark(s) on the timing cover. With the engine off, open the hood and locate the crankshaft pulley. If your vehicle uses a distributorless ignition system such as coil on plug, timing cannot be adjusted as the computer makes these changes on the fly when necessary. One degree may not be noticeable at idle, but at higher speeds this can cause the vehicle’s ignition system to fire a little early or late, which will decrease overall performance of the engine. Typically, timing will need to be adjusted due to the normal wear of moving parts in the ignition system. Older vehicles that have a distributor ignition system will have the ability to fine-tune ignition timing. Free repair manuals Autozone provides free online repair manuals for certain makes and models Autozone.Distributor wrench of the appropriate size.The number of degrees will vary between manufacturers so it is best to check the service manual for your specific vehicle to determine exactly what degree to set your ignition timing. Having the correct ignition timing will allow the engine to efficiently produce maximum power. These conditions are sometimes shown by the engine backfiring or pinging while accelerating. If the spark comes after the piston starts traveling back down the cylinder, known as retarded timing, the pressure created when compressing the air/fuel mixture will dissipate and create a weak explosion, not allowing the engine to produce maximum power.Ī good indicator that ignition timing may need to be adjusted is when the engine runs too lean (too much air, not enough fuel in the fuel mixture) or too rich (too much fuel and not enough air in the fuel mixture). If the spark comes before the piston reaches the top of the combustion chamber, also known as advanced timing, the controlled explosion will work against the engine rotating and produce less power. The ignition timing or spark is measured in the degrees the crankshaft is rotating, bringing the piston to the top of the combustion chamber, or TDC. The ignition system's job is to ignite that air/fuel mixture to make a controlled explosion to allow the engine to rotate and produce power that can be used to move your vehicle. When the piston travels to the top of the combustion chamber, the valves close and allow the engine to compress the mixture of air and fuel inside the combustion chamber. In other words, ignition timing is the adjustment of the spark produced by the spark plugs in the ignition system. Ignition timing refers to the ignition system that allows the spark plug to fire, or ignite, a few degrees before the piston reaches top dead center (TDC) on its compression stroke.
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