How to Do Timing on a V6 Motor

Setting the correct ignition timing on your V6 motor is critical to the proper performance of the engine. Improper timing can cause excess vibration, poor fuel economy and, in prolonged cases, damage to the engine. With the proper equipment you can set the timing on your V6 engine with moderate ease.

Instructions

1

Park the car on a flat surface, turn the ignition off and chock the wheels.

2

Connect the pick-up lead on the timing light to the number one spark-plug wire.

3

Connect the power leads on the timing light according to the timing light manufacturer's instructions.

4

Start the engine. Make sure no one is working under the hood when you turn the ignition on.

5

Point the timing light at the timing mark. It will be next to the crankshaft pulley.
Note where the timing notch is lining up with the timing scale. If the timing is correct, the pulley will line up with the timing mark. The exact timing specifications for your V6 engine will be on a decal under the hood or in the owner's manual.

6

Loosen the hold-down nut on the distributor if a timing adjustment is required. Rotate the distributor in small increments until timing notch lines up with the scale. Tighten the hold down nut on the distributor.

7

Recheck the timing with the timing light to ensure the timing adjustment did not move.

8

Remove the timing light from the engine and the tire chocks from behind the wheels.

9

Test drive the car awhile. If you hear pinging noises or experience a lack of power, repeat the timing steps.