- Timing light
- Socket wrench
- Flat-blade screwdriver
Step 1: Prepare the Engine
1. Park the vehicle on level ground and turn off the engine.
2. Allow the engine to cool down if it has been running.
3. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent accidental starting of the engine.
Step 2: Locate Timing Marks
1. Open the hood of the vehicle and locate the timing marks.
- The timing marks on your 1980 Chevy V8 5.7L 350 engine are usually located on the timing cover and the crankshaft pulley.
2. The timing mark for the crankshaft is usually a small notch or a "0" mark on the pulley.
3. The timing marks for the distributor are usually a series of notches or hash marks around the edge of the distributor body.
Step 3: Connect Timing Light
1. Connect the timing light to the battery.
2. Attach the inductive pick-up sensor of the timing light to the spark plug wire of the number one cylinder.
Step 4: Adjust Timing
1. Start the engine and let it idle.
2. Direct the timing light at the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley.
3. Observe the timing marks as they are illuminated by the timing light.
4. Loosen the distributor hold-down bolt or clamp using the socket wrench.
5. Turn the distributor until the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley aligns with the desired timing reference mark.
6. Retighten the distributor hold-down bolt or clamp.
Step 5: Check the Timing
1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Start the engine and let it idle.
3. Observe the engine's operation. Listen for any signs of detonation (knocking or pinging sounds).
4. If necessary, fine-tune the ignition timing by repeating the process until the engine runs smoothly and without any sign of detonation.
