I know very little about timing an engine. I redid the head on my 89 22re pickup. I try and do all repairs myself. I want to learn, and I want to gain experience by doing each project myself.

Since I had the head redone, I have never properly timed the engine. It's been running well, but not 100% accurate with the timing.

I have obtained my grandpa's old 80's vehicle timing gun. It has 2 large alligator clip contacts.

So with that information, where do I begin on timing my 22re? I have googled for guides, but none for the 22re. I have a service manual, but doesn't have any information for timing. Honestly, I think my service manual is junk.

 

personally, I wouldn't use a direct clip on timing light. I prefer ones with the inductive pickup that clips over the spark plug wire. they tend no not damage electronic ignition components.

otherwise, you should be able to follow this guide, scroll down to the bottom of page two, start with step 3:
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1990-1995...e/distribu.pdf
you can substitue a bent paper clip or section of wire for the SST they reference.