Ok i have a 1976 camaro, apparently the previous owner let his son change the intake manifold and valve covers, the problem is when he pulled the distributor he didnt mark it, and he put it back in and i believe its several teeth off as it starts and idle at what the timing light says is 30+ degrees, whats the easiest way to correct this?

 

You could loosen the clamp on the distributor and turn the wholedistributor clockwise to get the timing right. The wires may look a little funny, but it should work.

 

Right but the whole distributor was dropped in completely off, so im going to have to probably take it off and re-drop it to try and get the teeth right, right now just turning it wont even get me past 20 degrees, i was just wondering if anyone had some tips....

 

First you have to get the #1 piston at top dead center on the compression stroke, not the exhaust stroke. Put distributor back in right spot, then set timing. Or pull distributor out & put back moving it one tooth at the time, till it goes in the right spot, then set timing.

 

If you are new to doing it I'd get the Chilton's book for it. They do a great job on telling you what to do in what order with about everything.

 

pull #1 plug.....get a wooden spoon or long wooden dowel.... put said wooden instrument into the hole that was occupied by #1 plug.......rotate the engine MANUALY by turning the fan belt for instance. When the wooden dowel starts to move note the direction of travel of the belt....are you going clockwise or counter? .......when the dowel stops coming out (while turning engine) you are at #1 TDC (or really close)....go backwards to be sure.... decide wether you are on compression or exhaust (this will be determined by direction of travel of belt)....replace plug #1....now replace dizzy and set timing..... got a timing light?

 

Thanks cplthomas i plan on trying that first thing tomorrow, but can i get some clarification on how to tell the compression stroke from exhaust stroke? is Compression stroke counter-clockwise or clockwise? And one other thing, up until they changed the manifold the tachometer was working, but after that it stopped, im assuming he pulled the wires and either didnt hook them up right or didnt hook them up at all, which particular wire is it and where does it go? thanks

 

Compression stroke is when both valves are closed, and makes no difference which way you turn the engine. Take the #1 plug out and plug the hole with your finger. Have someone turn engine by hand, and you will feel the compresiion build up when it is around the right spot. Or you can remove the valve cover and watch the valve springs on the #1 cylinder, when both springs are fully extended, both valves are closed and the engine is on the compression stroke.

 

Thanks guys, you put out alot of helpful info, I kind of decided to hold off working on the car since its leaking oil and the transmission is shot, and I dont have the time or cash to put into it, at the moment....not only that but i ship out in march so i dont have time for it........I guess its going to have to sit for 4 years, unless i send money back home and have it worked on while im in the military.

 

Thanks fo serving our country. Stay safe & God bless.