How to Use a Timing Light?

A timing light is the fuel-injected version of the venerable engine from Toyota. The first 22RE was produced in 1982. Different forms of the engine were available through 1995. Although the specifications vary with the year and model, the necessary ignition timing procedure is the same. The specs are found on the emission control information label of the vehicle in the engine compartment. It is recommended to use a regulation light, either with a jumper cable, or an inductive type unit. 

Things you will need 

• metric tube wrench 
• Rags paint 
• tachometer 
• plugs 
• white vacuum hose or golf tees (required on some models)
• jumper cable (required on some models)
• Timing light

Instructions 

1. Find the distribution plate on the front of the engine, just above the crankshaft pulley. Clean the plate with a cloth if necessary so that you can see the marks. 
2. Turn the crankshaft pulley with a socket wrench until the time stamp on the pulley is visible. Clean the groove and mark it with a spot of white paint. 
3. Bring the engine to operating temperature. Attach a tachometer according to the meter instructions and adjust the idle to the correct rpm. Turn off the motor. 
4. Check the VECI tag in the engine compartment for synchronization procedures. Remove and connect the necessary vacuum hoses, if required. Connect a jumper wire between terminals TE1 and E1 in the check plug if needed. Take note of the distribution brand specification, usually 5 degrees before the PMS. 
5. Connect the time light supply wires to the battery and the starter wire to the number one wire of the spark plug of the cylinder. Check the engine compartment to make sure all loose wires, cables, and hoses are out of the way of the motor fan. 
6. The engine is running. Press the throttle three or four times, and then let the engine idle for one minute. Point the strobe gun at the crankshaft pulley to illuminate the distribution marks. The white point on the pulley should be aligned with the appropriate mark on the distribution plate. 
7. Adjust the frequency if necessary, loosen the distributor, keep the clamp depressed and turn the distributor body until the marks are aligned. Tighten the clamp. Check the engine rpm and adjust. Remove the test equipment and reconnect all hoses and cables. Road test with the vehicle.

The ignition timing of an internal combustion engine controls when a spark will occur to start the engine. You must systematically adjust the ignition timing to its correct position as part of the routine maintenance of your Mustang. You will need some tools and some mechanical skills. Be careful not to damage or lose any part of the motor when the ignition time is set. 

Things you will need 

• light timing 
• Wrench 
• Start cables 
• Wedges on wheels 

Instructions 

1. Park the Mustang in an area with enough space to work on the engine safely. Turn off all accessories and equipment, including radio and air conditioning/air heat. 
2. Chocks place under the wheels of your car. Put the transmission in neutral, set the emergency brake, and bring the engine to an idling speed of 750 rpm. 
3. Open the hood. Disconnect the single peak connector cable on the ignition module. 
4. Connect a sync light to the battery by placing the red clip on the positive terminal first and then the black clip on the second negative terminal. 
5. Place the time light clamps on the number 1 spark plug wire connected to the cylinder head. The synchronization light shines on the pulley attached to the main crankshaft. 
6. Note that the distribution mark on the pulley falls in front of the degrees tab on the front of the engine. You can advance the time a little beyond the recommended 10 degrees, but do not deviate too far from 10 degrees. 
7. Use your wrench to loosen the locking screw down the manifold at the base of the manifold box. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the distributor and connect it to the electronic spark computer—Earthing of the carburetor switch with jumper cables. 
8. Turn the distributor by hand until the distribution mark on the pulley reaches its desired ignition time. 
9. Unplug the distributor Vacuum hose from the electronic ignition computer and connect it back to the distributor box. Tighten the locking screw-down with your wrench. Remove the starter cables from the carburetor switch. Remove the regulating light from the engine components. Connect the single-spout connector cable back into the ignition control module. 
10. Remove the wheel chocks from your Mustang.