Distributor question

[Sergey21]

So when I turn (adjust) my distributor my idle changes and all. So I go from Retarted to Advanced, but is there a thing as too Advanced, as far as timing? Because when I turn it to too much of Advanced it feels like car is going to die, but doesnt. And when too Retarted, the throttle response sucks. So where should it be at? And how do I know whats right? I mean the way I have it now, a little bit to Advanced, feels OK, but dont know how the car feels about it.

[chubbyranger]

Timing must be set with a timing light and you can do bad things driving with the timing improperly adjusted for long periods and also fail emissions. The correct ignition timing should be on a label under the hood or in the owner's manual. The timing mark on most engines is usually a slot/notch cut into the crankshaft pulley and there should be either a corresponding set of either stamped marks on the block or a small notched metal gauge that hangs over the edge of the crank pulley. Connect the timing light to the cylinder #1 spark plug, start engine. Shine the timing light on the pulley and adjust the distributor until the timing mark lines up on the right timing mark. You may or may not need to jump two pins on the ALDL connector - I don't know if they had computers screwing with the timing in 1979 - but they did in my 1990 CDV. I do not know your engine specifically, the previous is based on experience with other vehicles so someone with specific knowldge may give you more precise instructions.

[submariner409]

......chubbyranger is correct. A distributor is calibrated for each engine/vehicle/octane package and must be set in accordance with the timing label under the hood or to the settings in a factory shop manual.

Arbitrarily twisting a distributor until "it feels good" or to try and correct some performance deficiency is futile. Set it correctly and address the rest of the mechanical/fuel systems.

[Sergey21]

Ok, thanks for the great info.