I was pretty sure that setting the timing had to be done inbside of the distributor itself. I'm pulling mine right now in order to more easily remove my alternator. I find that the distributor is turned slightly to the left. (There is a line on both the engine and distributor to show where they are supposed to line up.) My distributor was turned slightly to the left.

Like I said, I don't think that's how the timing is set. And if I'm correct, does it matter that my distributor wasn't lined up?

Thanks for the help. I'm still learning. I'd search for an answer but took a 2 minute break to post this as I'm still removing thr alternator atm.

 

:wabbit2:

 

The timing is set by rotating the whole distributor housing after loosening the retaining bolt. The marks are for initial installation and won't necessarily line up after setting the timing.

Be sure to replace the distributor o-ring with a new one from the dealer. They get very brittle from all the heat and will crack and leak.

Follow the procedure in the ignition section of the FSM for a fast and simple technique for distributor installation.

 

After changing my headgaskets, I set the timing of my 92 back to the factory 10. I found that I had no where near the power that i had before. So after searching YT there were people talking about it being advanced. I played around with it being advanced and found that 14 is where I got the most power.

If you need a timing light, I think you can rent them at most autozones.

 

Sorry to bump a old thread but would advancing the timing to 12 or 14 help get more MPG's? Im looking to make my pickup more fuel efficient since gas prices are getting up there

 

Nothing wrong with bumpin an old thread.

MPGs should stay about the same, but will give you a little more power.

But hey, try it. If you dont like it, just set it back. What is yours at now?

 

I set mine to 10 like the manual said to. Ill probably try it at 12 and see how she runs

 

i run at 15 in winter and 17 in summer with premium gas and get 20 mpg and 300 miles consistantly per tank with 35's timing advance does help but you need to run good gas to avoid detonation that the knock sensor will pick up on and retard it and give you poorer gas milage as well as over activating the egr

 

Id love to get 20 mpg especially on 35s thats pretty amazing. Ill have to try that out if I dont get better luck advancing to 12. Last time I checked I was getting around 15mpg with 31s.

I think my egr needs to be cleaned and my cat could probably be replaced. My cats got about 280k on it if its still the stock which I think it is