How to set timing correctly?

OK, this is going to seem pretty basic to you wrench turners, but how do I set the timing on the motor in my 1990 SN? It has the PCM Ford 351 engine and Prestolite distributor with bolt down cap. The manual specifies a timing setting of 10 degrees BTDC at 600 RPM.

I see a timing mark on the belt pulley and pointer on the front of the motor, but no calibration marks. What the secret?

Thanks for any help on this.

No, my timing light was lost when we moved a few years ago. I'll pick up another one.

Your directions are excellent. I found the marks on the balancer. Looks like PCM may also have made a large mark on it at 10 deg. BTDC, right where it is supposed to be set.

Many thanks.

It still has breaker points. According to the PCM manual for my engine, the breaker point gap is supposed to be set at .018 and dwell at 29 to 33 degrees - so you are right on the money.

I'm planning to get that done first thing in the morning and take her out for a test drive. I just installed a new battery, starter, and starter relay and need to adjust the packing gland on the shaft log to make sure that new starter stays nice and dry.

Thanks for your help and advice.

uncle-bunk,

I'm not a wrench turner either but I'm learning more and more from this site. I set the timing in my boat for the first time this summer. It's not that hard. One tip that helped me out is that when you loosen the distributor hold-down bolt, don't loosen it too much... just to the point that you can move it with good resistance. That way you'll be able to dial in that 10 BTDC without it accidentally moving on you. Also I found it helpful to put a small mark indicating the position of the distributor before you make changes, then a mark at the 10 degree mark just for reference.

Hope that helps.

Joe D

take some chalk and rub it on the mark on the crank then wipe it off lightly so the chalk stays in the mark indent. Or you can take a hack saw and run it over the mark to make it more pronounced.