1. Locate the timing marks. The timing marks are located on the harmonic balancer and the engine block. The harmonic balancer is located at the front of the engine, and the timing marks are usually a series of notches or grooves. The engine block timing mark is usually a small notch or groove on the front of the engine block, near the top of the oil pan.
2. Position the engine at TDC. To do this, turn the engine over until the piston in the number one cylinder is at the top of its compression stroke. This can be done by removing the spark plug wire from the number one spark plug and watching for the piston to move up and down. When the piston is at the top of its stroke, the timing marks on the harmonic balancer and the engine block will be aligned.
3. Loosen the distributor hold-down bolt. The distributor hold-down bolt is located at the base of the distributor. Loosen this bolt just enough so that the distributor can be turned.
4. Turn the distributor. Turn the distributor until the rotor points to the number one spark plug wire terminal.
5. Retighten the distributor hold-down bolt. Once the distributor is in the correct position, retighten the hold-down bolt.
6. Start the engine and check the timing. Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature. Then, use a timing light to check the timing. The timing should be set to 0 degrees at idle.
If the timing is not correct, repeat steps 3-6 until the timing is set correctly.
