1) Ensure the engine has been off and cool for several minutes.
WARNING: Do not attempt to open the radiator cap when the engine is hot, as the boiling coolant may spray out with enough force to cause injury or scald the skin.
2) Gather the necessary tools. You will need a:
- Timing light
- Socket wrench set
- Spark plug wrench
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- Feeler gauge
- Factory shop manual
4) Locate the ignition timing marks on the engine.
- Connect the timing light to the battery and to the number one spark plug wire.
- Start the engine and let it idle.
- Point the timing light at the timing marks on the engine.
- Note the alignment between the timing marks.
5) Adjust the timing, if necessary.
- If the timing marks are not aligned, you will need to adjust them.
- To do this, loosen the bolts holding the distributor and turn it clockwise or counterclockwise until the timing marks are aligned.
- Tighten the bolts once the marks are aligned.
- Disconnect the timing light and restart the engine to ensure that the timing is set properly.
6) Check the spark plug gap.
- Remove the spark plugs from the engine.
- Use a feeler gauge to check the gap between the electrodes on each spark plug.
- Adjust the gap to the specifications listed in your owner's manual, if necessary.
7) Replace the spark plugs.
- reinstall the spark plugs in the engine.
- Tighten the spark plugs to the torque specified in your owner's manual.
