setting timing

I have an 89 chevy silverado TBI 350 2 wd. I have been trying to get the timing set but it will not set it always runs like crap. The catalyst sticker says to set it to 0 Degrees so i set it there and it doesnt run for shyt. How do i set the timing or what should i set it at?? Thanks


NICK

Are you sure the timing plate is in the right place? I've seen a few vehicles where people put on chrome plates and don't bother to put it exactly where is should be. Also, make sure you have the timing light on the correct plug wire.

There is a plug on the firewall you have to remove to time those trucks, it puts it back to base timing I understand. Not sure if you knew this or not

Yes there is a plug in on the firewall to disconnect.The wire is a black with a tan stripe

I had the same problem with my truck until I found out about its timing mode or whatever. Remove the panel in the upper left corner of the firewall and there is a single wire connector thats black and tan you have to unplug. After that time it with the light connected to the #1 cylinder HTL wire and then set it to 0 degrees. After that tighten up the distributer and let it run idle for like 10 seconds then turn it off. After you turn it off FIRST unplug the ground wire on the battery then reconnect the black/tan wire. Let it sit for 30 seconds to reset the computer then reconnect the battery and drive it around making sure to redline it a few times to reset the shift points and all that. Im pretty sure thats how to do it but it was a while ago when I did it myself so correct me anyone if im wrong. Good luck on that.

worn out timing gear possibly

alright i found the timing advance plug it was with all the other wires in the main wiring harness thats why i didnt see it thought it didnt have one thanks everybody.


NICK

I had the same problem with my truck until I found out about its timing mode or whatever. Remove the panel in the upper left corner of the firewall and there is a single wire connector thats black and tan you have to unplug. After that time it with the light connected to the #1 cylinder HTL wire and then set it to 0 degrees. After that tighten up the distributer and let it run idle for like 10 seconds then turn it off. After you turn it off FIRST unplug the ground wire on the battery then reconnect the black/tan wire. Let it sit for 30 seconds to reset the computer then reconnect the battery and drive it around making sure to redline it a few times to reset the shift points and all that. Im pretty sure thats how to do it but it was a while ago when I did it myself so correct me anyone if im wrong. Good luck on that.


Does this procedger work on a 99 Siverado 5.7. bacause I cannot find this black with tan stripe wire.
I did find on the drivers side under the hood just forward of the fuse box a Purple with white strip and a sotil brown wide, neithe was bluged into anythng.

No, you do not time the 99 in the old fashioned way. The computer calculates it off a base setting.
Do not move the distributor unless you feel like taking the truck to the stealership to get your "Cam Retard/Offset" reset (base timing)!

No, you do not time the 99 in the old fashioned way. The computer calculates it off a base setting.
Do not move the distributor unless you feel like taking the truck to the stealership to get your "Cam Retard/Offset" reset (base timing)!


LOL too late. I to take the distributer out to change the gear.
So can I set the Cam retard with I get the scanner tool? From what I understand the have to turn the distributer to set this?