Initial
1. run the engine until it is at operating temperature.
2. turn all electric loads OFF.
3. Connect a tachometer.
4. check the idle speed.
5. connect a timing light to the L1 high-tension lead.
6. check that the mark on the pulley and indicator pin are aligned
7. If they aren't aligned, loosen the CAS installation bolt and turn it to make the adjustment.
8. check the trailing side with teh same procedure.



Ok, I was on the fence whether to try this myself. So I started searching hoping I would be able to pick up on it. I've never touched a timing gun. Do I need to get a tachometer or do they have that built in..


So far I've located one notch on the pulley. There are only two right? A yellow and a red? The indicator pin is also in plain view. Right now I just want to check it and see if it is within spec-

Leading 5 degrees ATDC yellow mark
trailing 20 degrees ATDC red mark


First of all, can I just use the tach on the dash. My idle isn't within spec yet, but I can probably get it there before attempting timing.

Do I just hook up the gun to L1 and aim it at the indicator pin and let the timing gun do the rest?

sorry for the random questions but I checked around town and nobody wants to time it, but its cool cuz I wanted to try it myself. If I'm careful and have no necklaces or sleeves can I mess-up anything by just checking it. My car runs pretty good and all, but the car is still new to me and I want to get as many things as I can within spec.

Don't get me wrong, the FSM is very useful but from what I've noticed, it assumes you have a mechanical background and doesn't read to well for a noob.
thanks

 

you can use your fact tach. checking timing is easier than they make it seem.
start car.
run car till hot.
check idle.
use gun.

its that easy

your timing gun will come with instructions on how to operate it. its really quite simple i havent adjusted timing on a rotary yet so i can't tell you how to do that but to check is easy

p.s. it helps if its dark

 

Yeah it's a piece of cake. And yeah, do it when it's dark out or twilight. Makes it easier to see the stroke light. If you want a good noob manual for basic stuff like timing then get a Haynes manual. Not the greatest thing for non-maintenance stuff, though.