Timing Question??

[rickyf]

Ok, don't laugh... I want to adjust the timing on my 69 300 with the standard 440 engine.

1. Do I clip the timing light around the number one spark plug wire, and if so how do I know which one is the number one plug?

2. Where are the marks that I shine the light on?

3. How do you adjust it to however many degrees before or after TDC.

Any help would be appreciated.

(I'm trying to be a gear head!)

Rick
69 300 Convertible

[Dennis Jokela]

Ricky:

I applaud your search for knowledge. The topic that you have asked about is quite hard to explain on the keyboard. I would suggest that you either buy a repair manual, or check one out of the library. There are certain specifications that you need to know, such as the factory setting. There may still be a sticker under the hood that shows tune up specs.

Number one spark plug is the front plug on the drivers side of the engine. The timing marks are somewhat visible on the vibration dampner from the passenger side of the engine. The dampner has one groove scribbed across it. There is a timing tab on the timing chain cover that you line up to.

I think that you need to get a book.

Dennis Jokela

[jondoze]

Take Dennis' advice. I don't think anyone here will laugh at you (they haven't laughed at me yet). The right book is invaluable to have around. Might I/We ask why you think you need to adjust your timing?

An educated gear head is a better gear head,
Unless you have a GM.

[rickyf]

Thanks for your suggestions. I just changed my old ignition to the Pertronix elctronic ignitiion. The car is running great but I just adjusted the timing willy nilly without using the light. I got it running smoothly and called it a day. Now I borrowed a friend's timing light and I want to adjust it to the Pertronix recommendation.