Setting Timing

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by blykins

You can use a dial-back.

Thanks for clearing that up because that's all I have used for years, even on my old MSD setup.

[patrickt]

Come on, setting the timing on an MSD distributor is about as easy as it gets. You can use any timing light that works on it and, so long as you know what the bushing is that was put in it, you can just set the timing at idle and you'll know what the all in amount is going to be (yes, you should still check it though). Then just play with the springs until you find what you like. That's easier than changing a spark plug, and way easier that setting the valves, which takes some of us all day. You don't even get your hands dirty setting the timing and it's impossible to drop anything in the wrong place and ruin your day.

[Large Arbor]

Ok, I must confess to my screw ups. 1) I put the distributor button on backwards and tied to force the square old in the round slot, 2) When I pulled the distributor the oil pump drive came with it causing a (oh noooo!!) moment. I used a straw to put that back without dropping it into the oil pan. The mechanical advance was not working on the MSD 8594 Distributor thus making timing more difficult. I will have a new distributor tonight. I will drill two holes in the sides of the distributor cap to allow air to get to it hopefully reducing corrosion. Once the timing is set I have seal to replace where the driveshaft goes into the T3550 transmission. Once that is done, I also need to replace valve cover gaskets. That is my list!

Thanks to the most excellent dudes on this site, I may be able to avoid future mistakes. Thanks again folks for all the comments to this student.

Phil