Ignition Timing: Adjustments
Ignition Timing Inspection and Setting1. Start the engine and allow it to warm up (cooling fan comes on).
2. Verify vacuum source by disconnecting the vacuum hoses from the vacuum advance diaphragm and, while the engine idles, check each hose for vacuum and plug the hoses.
^ The inside hose (# 2) should have vacuum.
^ The outside hose (# 5 for fuel-injected engine or # 2 for carbureted engine) should not have vacuum.
3. Reconnect vacuum hoses and connect timing light to the engine. While the engine idles, point it toward the pointer at the crankshaft pulley. If ignition timing is not within specifications, verify the integrity of the vacuum advance system before making any adjustments.
4. If vacuum advance system checks out, adjust ignition timing, if necessary, to the following specifications (color refers to timing mark indicator):
Carbureted Engine:
HF:
49 STATE:
HIGH ALTITUDE: 26°±2° BTDC (Red) at idle in neutral
CALIFORNIA: 16°±2° BTDC (Red) at idle in neutral.
DX:
Manual Transmission: 20°±2° BTDC (Red) at idle in neutral.
Auto Transmission: 15°±2° BTDC (Red) at idle in gear.
Fuel-Injected Engine:
49 STATE:
HIGH ALTITUDE: 16°±2° BTDC (Red) at idle in neutral.
CALIFORNIA: 12°±2° BTDC (Red) at idle in neutral.
5. Loosen the distributor adjusting bolts, and turn the distributor housing counterclockwise to advance timing or clockwise to retard timing.
6. Tighten the adjusting bolts.
7. Recheck the timing and idle speed.
8. Disconnect the outside vacuum hose (# 5 or # 2 from the diaphragm and apply vacuum (more than 500 mmHg, 20 in.Hg), to the outside diaphragm with a vacuum pump.
The timing mark (Red) should advance an additional 4°.
9. Disconnect the vacuum hoses from the vacuum advance diaphragm and pinch the end of the hoses using the fuel line clamps. The timing should be 4° BTDC.
10. If advance is not as specified, check the ignition timing control and the distributor advance mechanism.