Thoroughly confused about timing after searching.

[theother1wstolen]

Ive spent a good bit of timing searching around for info on timing, and the more i search the more confused i get. I know the stock timing is 20BTDC so why is it every writeup says to set the rotor right on the #1 at TDC? Shouldnt it be set at 20BTDC? Please someone explain this. im wondering because ive been battling a complete loss of torque and cant figure out why. so to clarify. shouldnt i set my #1 cylinder at 20BTDC and THEN have the rotor lining up with the #1?

[theother1wstolen]

anyone?

[amolao]

Bud, dont make it too complicated. These are two different things. You set TDC everytime you take ignition off, work deep inside engine, replace timing chain, replace oil pump,etc. This is "mechanical timing".

Your 20 degrees is the actual "operating" timing. This is what to you set your engine while using a timing light for top performance. You do need to be have correct TDC in order to have achieve your 20 degrees. If you are not in TDC you car will not start.

[phillip fair]

Ok here is your answer in simple terms top dead center is where you start assuming that you have not removed your distributer. Aline the marks on the front crank pully with the mark at TDC looking at it from the front of the car and reading left to right TDC will be the second mark your 20 degree mark in the last mark to the right apply some white paint to that mark as well as your indicator on the block. then look at the where the #1 plug wire plugs into the distributer cap now remove the cap and make sure the rotor is lined up with where #1 wire plugs in if it does then you are at TDC. Now unplug the trottle position sensor located on the thottle body just where the duct contects. Crank the engine let it warm up to operating temp , hook up your timming light and point it down at the marks if they appear to lineup while the engine is running then it is at 20 degrees before TDC if it does not shut off the engine and loosen the two bolts that hold the distributer in place. Start up the engine again point the timming light at the marks again and then rotate the distributer left or right until the marks line up then tighten the distributer bolts reconnect the TPS and your done be sure the you plug in your TPS correcty or the engine wont run right your automatic tranmission will not shift properly. Good luck I hope this helps