setting timing on 2.9 v6

[stamina]

i am going to set the timing to 12° as stated by another person on this forum, is it necessary to put the #1 piston on tdc to set timing? it doesn’t say it on the hood sticker but it does in the haynes manual. do i need to do this? and if so why? also, when setting timing do i do it with the accessories on? radio, ac, etc?

 

[RonD]

If the engine is currently running then you just need to do a few things to set base spark timing
Clean off the "pulley" and pointer so you can clearly see the marks
If you put paint on the tip of a rag and then wipe the marks the paint will stay in the marks making them easier to see

Find the SPOUT connector, on a 2.9l its should be on passenger side of lower intake near distributor
Warm up the engine
Turn off engine
Loosen distributor holding bolt, but just enough so you can turn distributor
Hook up timing light
Unhook SPOUT connector
Start engine
Turn distributor until #1 spark is happening at 12deg BTDC
Tighten distributor
Recheck timing
turn off engine
Reconnect SPOUT connector
Start engine
Should see spark at about 20deg BTDC now

AC should be OFF, as every time it cycles on timing will be harder to read, won't hurt just an irritant
Cab electric devices can be on or off won't matter

 

[RumPunch]

If the engine is currently running then you just need to do a few things to set base spark timing
Clean off the "pulley" and pointer so you can clearly see the marks
If you put paint on the tip of a rag and then wipe the marks the paint will stay in the marks making them easier to see

Find the SPOUT connector, on a 2.9l its should be on passenger side of lower intake near distributor
Warm up the engine
Turn off engine
Loosen distributor holding bolt, but just enough so you can turn distributor
Hook up timing light
Unhook SPOUT connector
Start engine
Turn distributor until #1 spark is happening at 12deg BTDC
Tighten distributor
Recheck timing
turn off engine
Reconnect SPOUT connector
Start engine
Should see spark at about 20deg BTDC now

@RonD can you frame thos or make it Google's banner?

 

[stamina]

If the engine is currently running then you just need to do a few things to set base spark timing
Clean off the "pulley" and pointer so you can clearly see the marks
If you put paint on the tip of a rag and then wipe the marks the paint will stay in the marks making them easier to see

Find the SPOUT connector, on a 2.9l its should be on passenger side of lower intake near distributor
Warm up the engine
Turn off engine
Loosen distributor holding bolt, but just enough so you can turn distributor
Hook up timing light
Unhook SPOUT connector
Start engine
Turn distributor until #1 spark is happening at 12deg BTDC
Tighten distributor
Recheck timing
turn off engine
Reconnect SPOUT connector
Start engine
Should see spark at about 20deg BTDC now

AC should be OFF, as every time it cycles on timing will be harder to read, won't hurt just an irritant
Cab electric devices can be on or off won't matter

you’re awesome bro