I was asked in a PM how to time a 2.8
This is what I do.
Drive car till warm, 15 minutes.
Park car and shut it off.
Take the cover off over the ALDL connector (where the cigarette lighter is located)
Short pins A & B together on the ALDL connector
This will put the car into diagnostic mode.
Turn key to on position but don’t start the motor.
This will cause the check engine light to flash any stored codes.*
You will need a timing light, I like the induction* kind but both will work.
Put the timing light on number one spark plug wire.
Loosen the bolt holding the distributor but don’t remove it.
Make sure the timing light wires are not by any moving parts and start the car.
Shine the light at the timing marks*
Now hook the light to number four plug wire.
Note the difference and hook the light back up to number one plug wire.
Now set the timing to the label on the trunk lid and split the difference between one and four plug wires.
Tighten the hold down and remove the timing light.
Shut off the car and pull the wire out of the ALDL connector.
Take it for a ride.
All cars are not alike, I have 3 2.8s and none of them run the same*.
IF your car still doesn’t drive the way you want try advancing or retarding the timing.
*Induction timing lights have a clip that you can clip on the plug wire and not have to pull it from the distributor to use.
*Timing marks are between the water pump and fire wall. You can use a paint marker to make it easier to see.
*Harmonic balancers can move as a car gets older and top dead center can be off several degrees this can cause you car to run better at 6 degrees advanced where the label says 8.
If you have anything to add please do, maybe Cliff can add it to his tech section.
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Jake
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