Easy. Turn the engine until the timing marks line up.

There is a vertical line on the timing cover, turn the pulley until it is between 5 to 10. Any A-series engine will run good at this setting.

(leave it there. Do not try to advance or retard it)

Next, ensure the distributor is rotated correctly.

1. Pull cap off distributor. Is the rotor pointing at the Number 1 spark plug wire? Good. If it is pointing at #4, rotate the engine one more turn until the marks line up again

2. pull coil wire from cap. Lay atop the engine or strut tower, with the metal lead 1/4 inch from bare metal

3. turn engine to IGN (do not start it). Distributor cap is removed

4. Loosen the distributor hold down bolt slightly. Be careful not to rotate the distributor.

5. Rotate distributor housing clockwise slightly until points appear closed

6. Rotate housing anti-clockwise -- slowly -- until a spark appears at the coil wire, This occurs when the lobe forces the points open.

7. Tighten distributor hold-down bolt. You are done.


This method is just as accurate as a timing light if done carefully.

If you cannot borrow a dwell meter, then guess at the points gap. You must be able to see some gap when it is "on the cam" (resting on the lobe). But no more gap than the thickness of a matchbook cover. This method is not very accurate unless the points are new.