can someone explain to me exactly what the timing of an engine is? exactly how do you change the timing of an engine? ive always heard people say that they advance or retard the timing by x degrees, what does that do? thanks for the info, just trying to learn!

 

when someone says degrees they are talking about degrees of crankshaft rotation. If stock timing is 10 degrees BTDC (before top dead center) then the sparkplug fires when the crankshaft is 10 degrees before the piston is at peak travel(highest point)

generally an engine will run better with more advanced timing,but too much advance causes detonation(pinging) which is a VERY bad thing.

Advance means to make the plug fire sooner- like going from 10degrees to fourteen
Retard would be like going from 10 to 6

Timing is adjusted by loosening the distributor bolt and turning the distributor.

I hope I explained this clearly. If someone else has better wording feel free to chime in.

 

thanks a lot, thats exactly what i wanted to know.

 

Just don't confuse ignition timing with valve timing!

Take care,
-Chris

 

valve timing is has to do with the timing of the intake and exhaust valves opening and closing in relationship to where the piston is, right? someone please correct me if im wrong, im trying to expand my engine knowledge as much as i can . thanks a lot guys!

 

You're correct on what valve time is. Valve timing is determined by the camshaft / crankshaft timing chain and the type of camshaft installed.