1997 Chevy Truck Can it be timed manually?

K

kerry

New member
I have a 1997 chevy truck with a 305 engine. Can the vehicle be timed with a timing light or does a shop have to use a computer to time it. There are no timing degree marks by the harmonic balancer. THANK YOU
 
FYI, there is a TDC mark on the crank pulley.

The engine's computer electronically controls the ignition timing (electronic adjustment of the rotor on the distributor). So no, you cannot adjust the ignition timing of the engine; it is constantly adjusted as the computer sees fit. You can rotate the dist housing and not adjust the ignition timing.

However, by rotating the distributor housing you are adjusting the 'cam retard' timing. This is the correlation between the camshaft and the distributor. This must be set +-2* TDC or you will get a check engine light (code 1342 if I remember correctly, I don't have my book with me). To adjust the cam-dist correlation you will need a special scan tool to read the setting. Cheapest one I've seen is over $500 so just haul it to the shop. I got mine set for $60.
 
depends on the distributor you have. but they can be timed maually but any mess up and you could end up having to buy another motor. i am guessing since you ask if has to be timed by a computer that you have a hei distributor which has to be turned to a certain degree to be timed correctly. Read up on the process and if you feel comfortable enough proceed otherwise take it to a shop or find a mechanic that can come to you if needed. But overall yes they can be timed manually
 
Back
Top