Starter motor dragging

[Prafeston]

You will note the shifter on a stick has no drive position.

I know this...which is why I'm asking? How are you supposed to get your timing with the car in gear?

[IowaEagle]

Sorry, I was thinking an automatic.

[eaglefreek]

You will note the shifter on a stick has no drive position.

I know this...which is why I'm asking? How are you supposed to get your timing with the car in gear?

Since you come to a stop in gear with an automatic, it is best to set your idle in gear, with  parking brake and helper with foot on brake if possible. With a manual it doesn't matte,r since there is no drag on the engine when you come to a stop. You can set the idle to the "in gear" setting but while in neutral.

[Prafeston]

Thank you for the clarification Rick.

[Monkeyjoe]

I always start by setting the timing by the book just to get it close.  But has never been correct. Then  I always set the timing by ear.  Then drive and then readjust for performance.  The only thing I set by the book and leave alone are my Chevys as the timing is set at 0 then the computer adjusts.   You could take what you think are two identical engines and they would require the timing to be slightly different.  Each engine has its own personality.

[eaglefreek]

I always start by setting the timing by the book.  But has never been correct.  I always set the timing by ear.  then drive and then readjust for performance.  The only think I set by the book and leave alone my Chevys as the timing is set at 0 then the computer adjusts.   You could take what think are two identical engines and they would require the timing to be slightly different.  Each engine has its own personality.

Exactamundo.

With wear from the age of our vehicles, plus manufacturing tolerances, the factory setting is just a starting point. I haven't used a timing light on my car in a few years. I use a vacuum gauge to get it close and try to find a decent hill on the highway to drive up, then advance it till I get pinging and then back it off a hair.