How do I set the timing on a timing belt and is it different for all cars? I have an 87 AMC Eagle 6 Cyl.Engine?

I just want to set the timing. I did everything else they would normaly do for a Tune-up I just want to do this myself to save money. How do I set the timing on a timing belt and is it different for all cars? I have an 87 AMC Eagle 6 Cyl.Engine?You don't have a timing belt you have a timing chain and gears on that vehicle but here is how to check and or adjust it.



Locate the timing marks.



Clean off the timing marks so you can see them.



Mark the timing marks with a piece of chalk or white paint. Mark the one on the engine that will indicate correct timing when it is aligned with the mark on the pulley or flywheel.



Attach a tachometer to the engine.



Attach a timing light according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the timing light has three wires, one is attached to the no. 1 spark plug lead with an adapter. The other two are connected to the battery. The red one goes to the positive side of the battery and the black one to the negative terminal.



Disconnect the vacuum line to the distributor at the distributor. Plug the end of the hose.



Check to make sure that all of the wires clear the fan and then start the engine.



If there is an idle speed solenoid, disconnect it.



Aim the timing light at the timing marks. If the marks that you put on the pulley and the engine are aligned, the timing is correct. Turn off the engine and remove the tachometer and the timing light. If the marks are not in alignment, proceed to the following steps.



Turn off the engine.



Loosen the distributor lockbolt just enough so that the distributor can be turned with a little effort.



Start the engine. Keep the cords of the timing light clear of the fan.



With the timing light aimed at the pulley and the marks on the engine, turn the distributor in the direction of rotor rotation to retard the spark, and in the opposite direction of rotor rotation to advance the spark. Line up the marks on the pulley and the engine.



When the marks are aligned, tighten the distributor lockbolt and recheck the timing with the timing light to make sure that the distributor did not move when you tightened the distributor lockbolt.



Turn off the engine and remove the timing light.

How do I set the timing on a timing belt and is it different for all cars? I have an 87 AMC Eagle 6 Cyl.Engine?HI

I agree with UCANTCME

good luck

timHow do I set the timing on a timing belt and is it different for all cars? I have an 87 AMC Eagle 6 Cyl.Engine?A timing belt doesn't need adjusting except when you replace it, and your car, with a 6 cylinder engine, probably has a timing chain. To set the timing in a tune-up, you loosen the distributor and adjust it using a timing light. With newer cars even that might not be necessary. Get a Chiltons or Haynes repair manual for your car at an auto parts store or bookstore.