setting ignition timing at specified rpm

[wazzabie]

I have a 78 K5 Blazer with federal emisions. This means that I don't have all of the california smog stuff on the K5.

I would like to tuneup the K5. This would include settign timing. I also rebuilt the carb recently. One startup it blows white smoke and keeps blowing it.

The emissions control decal says

1) disconnect and plug vacccum hose a distributor
2) set ignition timing at specified rpm. (here is were I'm confused) I have a timing light, I'm just not sure what I need to do to set the timing.

 

[wazzabie]

Found this vid which helps a lot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7wcHkHHTEA&feature=related

 

[4X4HIGH]

I have a 78 K5 Blazer with federal emisions. This means that I don't have all of the california smog stuff on the K5.

I would like to tuneup the K5. This would include settign timing. I also rebuilt the carb recently. One startup it blows white smoke and keeps blowing it.

The emissions control decal says

1) disconnect and plug vacccum hose a distributor
2) set ignition timing at specified rpm. (here is were I'm confused) I have a timing light, I'm just not sure what I need to do to set the timing.

White smoke means water is getting into a cylinder somewhere (blown head gasket or cracked head).

To set timing you need to

1) Disconnect and plug the vacuum source to the vacuum advance

2) Adjust idle speed to spec.

3) Set timing to spec.

4) Reconnect vacuum advance

 

[imiceman44]

White smoke means water is getting into a cylinder somewhere (blown head gasket or cracked head).

To set timing you need to

1) Disconnect and plug the vacuum source to the vacuum advance

2) Adjust idle speed to spec.

3) Set timing to spec.

4) Reconnect vacuum advance

And sometimes you might have to repeat until idle is at spec.
Because if timing was way off when you first adjust the idle, once timing is correct now your idle is off so you repeat until change is minimal.

 

[wazzabie]

It seams like it is impossible to reach the distrbutor and at the same time see the timing marks. Do I need to use force to hold the distributor down?

Maybe a better option is to loosen the bolt adjust the distributor and then tighten the bolt down before starting the engine.

 

[driney]

Just loosen the bolt on the hold down enough to be able to turn the distributor. It can be turned in small increments while the engine is running.

 

[imiceman44]

Just loosen the bolt on the hold down enough to be able to turn the distributor. It can be turned in small increments while the engine is running.

Exactly I losen it enough that it still has drag but can be rotated with a gentle twist.

 

[grundy99]

This is a good article.

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/howto/97438/index.html