How can I set the timing with no scanner no timing light?

Hello,

It sounds like the distributor is to far advanced (counterclockwise). Here are the instructions on how to set the distributor up in the images below. Please let me know what happens.

Hello,

How did you try adjusting it the first time? It's possible when you adjusted it you went too far.

Why did you try adjusting it? Was it running rough? Maybe a misfire?

You could remove the spark plug from cylinder 1. Cylinder one on GM is always the forward most cylinder on the driver's side of the motor.

You will need to remove the serpentine belt, idler pulley, alternator, its bracket which is attached to the power steering pump, and the harmonic balancer. This pulley requires a 3-jaw puller, which you can rent from an auto parts store if you don't have one.

Then remove your timing cover. There are 2 dots, one on the camshaft gear and one on the gear for the crankshaft. The crankshaft will turn twice for every one turn of the cam.

The dot on the crank needs to be at the top, 12 o'clock position and the dot on the cam has to be on the bottom, 6 o'clock position and they should line up, but they don't always line up exactly. These timing chains usually have some slack in them.

Stick a long screwdriver into the spark plug hole for cylinder 1. Put the bolt back in the end of the crank. Now using a long half inch ratchet and I think it's a 22mm socket not sure though, slowly turn the motor and watch the screwdriver. It should slowly move upward depending on what stroke you are on.

Basically, it's a visual aid to find top dead center for cylinder one. So, once it starts to go back down you should be right about top dead center.

Now you know you are at top dead center on cylinder one. Then look at the cam and crank, do the dots line up?

If they do great but now, we need to find out if we are on the compression stroke or exhaust stroke. You can do this by putting your thumb over the spark plug hole and turning the crank with the ratchet again. If you feel pressure, then you are on the compression stroke and both valves should be closed.

From there you should be good to go. This is not a fun job to do.

I have used this method on a lot of 350 Chevy small blocks, but they were carbureted and had a distributor but also on my 2001 Suburban when I replaced the cam.

You can also buy a tuner. HP Tuners is really good. It has a dongle you plug into the OBD connector and connect it to a laptop. It's not cheap but it's cheaper than a scan tool.

Here is the link to their site:

https://www.hptuners.com

I have added a few pictures for your reference.

Let me know how it goes.

Thank you,
Brendon