The term timing relates to ignition and the process by which spark plugs ignite in the combustion chamber of your car's engine. Ignition timing must be right for the car to work at its maximum capacity, both speed and efficiency. You can adjust the ignition with an ignition timing light and some of the wrenches and tools available at auto parts stores.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Understanding Engine Ignition Timing
Step 1. Learn whether your car needs ignition timing or not
Modern cars have an electronic ignition system that does not require adjustment. However older 4 stroke engines will need this setting to ensure the spark plug fires at the right time.
If you notice signs that your car's ignition timing is not good, such as "ticking" and "explosion" or the car is running low on gas or is running low on gas, you need to take it to a repair shop or have it fixed yourself
Step 2. Understand the ignition cycle
"Step" is meant in a 4 stroke engine is referring to the process of intake, compression, power and exhaust. Ignition timing refers to the moment between compression and power, i.e. when the spark plug ignites, causing an explosion in the combustion chamber which generates power to rotate the engine, pushing the piston in the cylinder.
When the piston rises during the compression stroke, just before reaching "top dead center", the spark plug should fire. Over time, this ignition timing can shift, resulting in a less than optimal spark plug flame. The distance before reaching the "top dead center" is called the ignition time, and is represented as a series of numbers on the counterweight
Step 3. Study the ignition timing figures
Look at the numbers lined up like on the ruler on the front of the machine balancer, which should have a number below "zero". Generally, when your car leaves the factory, this number is set at zero, with the first cylinder at the top dead center position. Ignition time will advance as the car accelerates. This requires regular adjustment using the ignition timing lamp.
Numbers to the left of zero indicate that the piston is moving downwards, and numbers to the right of zero indicate that the piston is moving up. Turning the wheel is called "forward" ignition, and turning it to the left is called reverse ignition
Part 2 of 3: Checking Ignition
Step 1. Connect your ignition regulator lamp
Connect it to a power source and ground on your car battery, and connect the sensor that is on the number one spark plug wire. Follow the instructions for using the tool.
These lights work by lighting up the timing marks by flashing as they rotate, allowing you to see the point at which the spark plugs fire at the correct time. When the spark plug fires, the sensor sends a signal to the lamp, which flashes, illuminating the number at the correct time
Step 2. Ask the assistant to press the gas
To check the timing numbers and find out how they're igniting, ask an assistant to press the gas while you hit the timing numbers with a light. You should of course make sure the car is parked, and keep your hands away from the engine.
Step 3. Point the light at the counter and find the number
Even though the wheel is spinning, but the light will light up exactly when the numbers are in the direction of your vision, This is the ignition sequence number.
- As the RPM increases, the ignition timing of the spark plugs will also increase. This is normal, as the ignition works in a curve, allowing the speed to increase and adjusting the ignition timing properly.
- To check the overall ignition timing, you must run the engine at 3500 RPM. This ensures the ignition timing curve is set correctly.
Step 4. Also consider "vacuum" ignition if necessary
If your car has "vacuum" ignition, you will need to loosen the distributor adjusting bolt before starting the engine. Then, remove the vacuum hose from the carburetor and cover it with a rag to check ignition.
Vacuum ignition works by making changes to the RPM by turning the ignition timing slightly
Step 5. Adjust the ignition timing, if necessary
Now that you know the ignition sequence, how do you know you should set it? All types of cars will have different ignition timings, depending on the brand, year and type of transmission. To find out if you should adjust it, find your car's optimal ignition number and adjust it if necessary.
If you don't know your ignition number, ask a mechanic or a repair shop to ask
Part 3 of 3: Setting the Ignition Time
Step 1. Loosen the distributor bolt so that the distributor can be turned
To set the ignition timing, you only need to move the distributor in one direction or the other, depending on whether you are going to advance or reverse the ignition.
If the rotor is turned clockwise, you will advance the ignition, and vice versa. It took a few tries to get a feel for it. So ask the assistant to increase the RPM, check the ignition, and shift the distributor
Step 2. Set when the engine is running
Hold the distributor firmly and slide it slowly to one side. Continue until you see the ignition sign. Set the ignition mark by continuing to shift the distributor and check using the ignition timing lamp. When you are finished, re-tighten the distributor bolt.
Step 3. If in doubt, set it between 34 and 36 degrees
The Chevy small block engine has an ignition curve set at this angle for maximum performance, when the engine rotates at 3500 RPM. At this time, the ignition timing should stop advancing and stay in this position.
To do this job properly, you need to set it while the engine is running and check again when the engine is idle for optimal ignition numbers
Step 4. Tighten the distributor bolt once you are satisfied with this setting
Tips
- It's a good idea to always clean your car kit after you take it off, and check it for damage before putting it back together.
- Clean the ignition mark on the balancer and mark the top dead spot with a white or yellow marker for easy viewing.
- Remember that you are working under the hood with the engine on or off. Make sure you take care of your safety by not wearing loose-fitting clothes that might get caught in the machine.
Warning
- The distributor handles high ignition voltages. A damaged distributor or damaged spark plug wire can cause a painful electric shock if you touch it while the engine is running.
- Make sure the car engine is cold before starting to open a device that may be hot.
