How do I advance and retard timing on my Dodge 360 engine?

Answer by  electroman (337)

Do yourself a favor & go to an auto parts store and buy a repair manual for the specific year engine you're working on. That way you'll be sure to do it right the first time.

Answer by  myrlin (73)

Timing can be adjusted by slightly turning the distribut0r in either direction, depending on whether you want to advance or retard the timing. Use a timing light or vaccum gauge.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well assuming that you have a traditional distributor controlled system you just turn the distributor. To set the timing loosen the distributor hold down, remove the vacuum line, plug the vacuum port, and connect your timing light. Start the engine and turn the distributor each way to make it advance or retard according to the marks.

Answer by  samman (80)

To advance and retard timing on your Dodge first you have to remove the timing belt. Then look on the crankshaft and you will see a scale for adjustments.

Answer by  MechanicTech (103)

Good question, and one that varies by your car model and brand. You should consult either your car manual and refer to the schematic, or call your local auto-shop mechanic.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Simply turn it one way to retard it and the opposite to advance it. You will need to do this with a timing light while the ignition advance disabled.

Answer by  setrip (158)

To advance and retard timing you must adjust the crank gear on the crankshaft. Move the gear forward clockwise, make sure that the other gears remain in their normal position.

Answer by  bill56 (15)

loosen up hold down bolt on the distributor and turn distributor to advance or retard the timing do this while motor is running and use a timing light you will even hear the motor idle down or up and you will be able to tell weather the motor is running better or not

Answer by  Anonymous

Turning the distributor does nothing for your timing. The timing is controlled by your PCM (computer). Twisting the distributor only changes fuel injector sync.

Answer by  Samhane (703)

While using a timing light, shine it down on the crankshaft. If you retard the timing, you will be moving it back to anything prior to 0 degrees. If you advance the timing you will be moving it forward and after 0 degrees. If the engine knocks after a timing adjustment, make sure you retard it so the knocking stops.

Answer by  laura27 (1216)

loose distributor and hold down. disconnect vacuum line, plug in vacuum port, then connect your timing light. Its best to get a repair manual to help for make of engine.