Need help setting ignition timing!

[3Bar_Mopar]

Ok, I'm a total noob when it comes to using a timing light....I've always set mine by feel and ear....so I went and finally bought a timing light and it's the first time I've ever used one. It's one with the knob on the back. How do I use this? Do I set the knob to 0 and move the distributor to the desired mark in the bell housing? Do I set the knob on the light where I want it and then move the distributor until it's lined up with 0?
Please help!

[Tony Hanna]

The easiest way to do it should be to just zero the knob on the light and turn the distributer until the mark on the flywheel lines up with the desired mark on the bellhousing.

That knob on the light is used for figuring timing advance from a vacuum/mechanical distributer. In that situation, you run the engine at the RPMs that you want to figure advance for and turn the knob until the marks line up. You can then figure total advance based on how many degrees (on the knob) you had to pull to get the marks to line up.

[87glhs]

You should also look up your car/engine--most have you do something prior to setting the timing. Disconnect a vacuum line, sensor, or something similar.

[black86glhs]

The easiest way to do it should be to just zero the knob on the light and turn the distributer until the mark on the flywheel lines up with the desired mark on the bellhousing.

That knob on the light is used for figuring timing advance from a vacuum/mechanical distributer. In that situation, you run the engine at the RPMs that you want to figure advance for and turn the knob until the marks line up. You can then figure total advance based on how many degrees (on the knob) you had to pull to get the marks to line up.

Yeah, just set it to zero. You do know about unplugging the CTS, right?

[BadAssPerformance]

Yeah, just set it to zero. You do know about unplugging the CTS, right?

CTS = Coolant Temp Sensor

Be carefull not to get the 13mm wrech in the cooling fan which comes on when the CTS is unplugged

Stock timing should be 12° ... so with the knob set to 0° the notch in the flywheel should line up with the 12° mark in the timing window.

[3Bar_Mopar]

Yeah...I know about the cts...and the fan for that matter....got a shaved finger to prove it!
I've timed my car millions of times, just never used a timing light before. Thanks all for the info...that helped me out a lot!

[badandy]

I've always found it easiest to set the gun at 12 deg. and shoot for 0 on the flywheel.

[IROCNOROLL]

I've always found it easiest to set the gun at 12 deg. and shoot for 0 on the flywheel.

Me too.