Check engine timing w/ Tach?

trndkll67 · 03-26-2006, 01:59 PM

What is the best way to check/set engine timing on a 302 that DOES NOT have any timing marks? Can it be set properly using a Tachometer?

Phillyfanfrombirth · 03-26-2006, 06:00 PM

In that case, just use trial and error... If it is hard to crank, or starts to ping... you know you've got it too far advanced. If you are running extremely sluggish, or backfiring out of the exhaust, you know you have it too far retarded.

trndkll67 · 03-26-2006, 08:56 PM

It is backfiring right now from the exhaust. I've turned the distributor a little to see if it helps. But the backfire continues. Not sure what else I can do. Maybe I could solve it with a by checking for a vacuum leak or adjustinng the carb. Nothing seems to help.

Gearhead999 · 03-26-2006, 09:43 PM

Why don't you just mark TDC?? If you turn the crank till the crank key way is at 12:00 you should be at TDC or out 180 degrees. Pull the valve cover, right one, and check the valves. When the intake closes and the crank key way is 12:00 you are at TDC.

Or.....pull #1 spark plug. Use a piston stop and screw it in the spark plug hole. Turn crank clockwise till it stops. Then mark the balancer. Turn crank counter clockwise till it stops and mark balancer. TDC is half the distance between the two marks.

03-26-2006, 06:00 PM	#2
Phillyfanfrombirth Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: South Central PA Posts: 358	Re: Check engine timing w/ Tach? In that case, just use trial and error... If it is hard to crank, or starts to ping... you know you've got it too far advanced. If you are running extremely sluggish, or backfiring out of the exhaust, you know you have it too far retarded.

03-26-2006, 08:56 PM	#3
trndkll67 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 44	Re: Check engine timing w/ Tach? It is backfiring right now from the exhaust. I've turned the distributor a little to see if it helps. But the backfire continues. Not sure what else I can do. Maybe I could solve it with a by checking for a vacuum leak or adjustinng the carb. Nothing seems to help. __________________ trn6d7kll "...I will rain down upon thee with great vengance and furious anger......." -Jules W.

03-26-2006, 09:43 PM	#4
Gearhead999 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Oviedo, FL Posts: 992	Re: Check engine timing w/ Tach? Why don't you just mark TDC?? If you turn the crank till the crank key way is at 12:00 you should be at TDC or out 180 degrees. Pull the valve cover, right one, and check the valves. When the intake closes and the crank key way is 12:00 you are at TDC. Or.....pull #1 spark plug. Use a piston stop and screw it in the spark plug hole. Turn crank clockwise till it stops. Then mark the balancer. Turn crank counter clockwise till it stops and mark balancer. TDC is half the distance between the two marks. __________________ "Support our Troops" Dave 1968 Cougar 2004 Thunderbird 2007 F150 Harley-Davidson, SuperCrew 1986 LTD 1997 Ranger 1992 Honda Civic

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03-26-2006, 01:59 PM	#1
trndkll67 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 44	Check engine timing w/ Tach? What is the best way to check/set engine timing on a 302 that DOES NOT have any timing marks? Can it be set properly using a Tachometer? __________________ trn6d7kll "...I will rain down upon thee with great vengance and furious anger......." -Jules W.