Question for experts (can't get 88 Scottdale started)

ok first off the firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 Now pull the #1 plug hold your finger over the hole ...have someone crank it slow when the air blows your finder away from the whole your #1 piston is at TDC on the compression stroke which is important if it were TDC on the exhaust stroke your timing would be set backwards....ok now the rotor should be pointing in the direction of the #1 cylinder.....the base timing is 4 degrees...Once you know the firing order is right the rotor is pointing at the #1 cylinder at TDC mark your crank at the 4 degree mark then start it up....With a timing light turn your distributor untill you hit the mark...NOTE if your rotor Is not pointing at the #1 cylinder byjust loosing the bolt and giving it a turn you will nee to pull the whole distributor back out to get it to line up...,. Good luck if ya need more help let me know Steve C

Also I forgot to tell you when you put your cap back on the #1 plug wire should be where the rotor is pointing..Start the firing order there going clockwise... Steve C Question for experts (can't get 88 Scottdale started) Group: alt.trucks.chevy Date: Fri, Feb 13, 2004, 11:40pm (CST-2) From: snipped-for-privacy@blocked.com (Joe=A0Sprawling) I just replaced the distributor in my 88 Scottsdale 305 and I think it's out of time. Could someone tell me what the firing order on my distributor cap is supposed to be? Also, I need to know where my rotor button is supposed to be pointing. Thanks in advance!

which on a 305 would be with rotor pointing pretty much to front left corner of block............

Group: alt.trucks.chevy Date: Fri, Feb 13, 2004, 11:40pm (CST-2) From: snipped-for-privacy@blocked.com (Joe Sprawling) I just replaced the distributor in my 88 Scottsdale 305 and I think it's out of time. Could someone tell me what the firing order on my distributor cap is supposed to be? Also, I need to know where my rotor button is supposed to be pointing. Thanks in advance!

If you do it SC's way you're going to still have problems for a couple reasons:

1. Base timing is TDC (not 4* BTDC as he mentioned)
2. You must unplug the EST wire prior to setting the timing on these vehicles
3. You're gunna blow right by TDC on #1 using the starter in short bursts. Use a breaker bar and MANUALLY turn it till you get compression on #1.

Doc

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Thanks for the help SC. I'll let you know how it goes. Will be back in the garage next week on my day off.

Thanks a lot!

If you do it SC's way you're going to still have problems for a couple reasons:

1. Base timing is TDC (not 4* BTDC as he mentioned) (Maybe he should look on his lable..Because for reference I looked up the timing spec and it stated most Gm 305 5.0l engines are 4 degrees TDC never I said anything about BTDC hmm?)
2. You must unplug the EST wire prior to setting the timing on these vehicles

(This is true it was still early this morning)

1. You're gunna blow right by TDC on #1 using the starter in short bursts. Use a breaker bar and MANUALLY turn it till you get compression on #1. (Never had a problem with this one before...Guess Ive been lucky But yeah your way works too)

In-in line..............

Carbed SBC's spec out at 4* BTDC, TBI's at TDC (0* BTDC). Just for reference, what the hell is "4 degrees TDC?" You need to specify ATDC or BTDC when specifying timing bud.

Doc

Went out and worked on it after I got home today. The truck is running again for the first time in a year. Thanks again for your help.

1. Base timing is TDC (not 4* BTDC as he mentioned) (Maybe he should look on his lable..Because for reference I looked up the timing spec and it stated most Gm 305 5.0l engines are 4 degrees TDC never I said anything about BTDC hmm?) Carbed SBC's spec out at 4* BTDC, TBI's at TDC (0* BTDC). Just for reference, what the hell is "4 degrees TDC?" You need to specify ATDC or BTDC when specifying timing bud. Doc

You're correct, BTDC is below/before top dead center. You specify how many degrees before TDC by saying "base timing is 4* BTDC." TDC is top dead center (0*), so saying "base timing is set at 4* TDC" is meaningless as TDC is always 0*.

So, when there is a number attached to it, you must always specify BTDC or ATDC (after top-dead center).

Doc

////////////////////////////////////////////