How do I adjust the timeing on my Sierra?

[Courtancer]

On the weekend I had to replace the plugs, distributer and the points. 've got it running a heap better than it was but the timing isn't perfect. What do I have to do to get the timing spot on? Its an 83 1L Sierra. Thanks!

[OVERKILL ENG]

Use a timing light and there is a hole in the gearbox bell housing that will have the timing marks on it.We generally run them a couple of degrees more advanced than standard.
SAM

[greg]

I took mine to an auto electrician... took about 10 minutes to do i think.

[Courtancer]

OK, I haven't done the timing before. I'm borrowing a timing light this afternoon. How do I hook it up, etc? I'm also borrowing a compression tester. Does anyone know how to use these?

[zookjedi]

depending on the timing light just hook the black clip to neg- on battery and the red lead to the positive+ , the clamp generaly clamps around the no 1 lead , possibly there will be an arrow on the clamp to tell you which direction it should go (arrow facing spark plug), hold light at flywheel hole located on the left hand side of flywheel housing . point hold the trigger whilst the car is idling and the light will be flickering on at the excact time the No 1 is firing showing numbers and dashes, to adjust the timing loosen of the bolt holding the distributer housing and adjust , advancing a little more than spec will generally give a better bottom end , if you go to far it will start pinking , mainly undeload. easy as.

compression tester remove plug jam in tester remove king lead (so car won't start) wind it over and see what ya gat , do on all four cylinders.
if the readings seem low put a teaspoon of oil in the bore than retest the compression should be alot better , meaning rings most likley need changing etc etc.

[Courtancer]

Thanks Stressed, it sounds too easy.

[Courtancer]

Thanks Stressed, it sounds too easy.