I have no idea how to use a timing light

[Devin]

How do you use a timing light to check timing? Is there a better, easier way?

 

[Mike Jones Who?]

hook up your posi and negi, find the number one wire, turn the car on, turn on the light, and point it at the balancer. make sure that the light is approved for dis ignitions. i dont know if it matters but mine says DIS approved so im guessing if it is not approved it will not work

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Make sure the white mark on the crank pulley is visible from above (white-out works well), then connect the timing light to power and the inductive clamp to cylinder # 5.

You'll also want to pull the SPOUT shunt to force timing to 10 deg. BTDC. Once you start the car and fire the light at the crank pullye, the light should shows the mark on the pulley lining up with the -10 mark on the lower timing cover.

Curious why you ask though. Normally if the car runs the timing is fine.

 

[rangerj]

Once you know that the engine is at base timing, -10, then what?

If it is not at the correct timing look for a timing belt that is not on correctly. As these engines are "distributorless", there is no distributor to turn and adjust timing.