How to Set the Timing on a Mitsubishi Gallant
Like any other automobile, Mitsubishi Gallant requires regular tuning in order to ensure that the performance and fuel efficiency remains optimum. One of the many things that you need to check while tuning your car is the timing. The importance of proper timing adjustment lies in its function of determining when the spark plug fires, which ignites the engine by drawing the fuel into the engine via fuel injectors.
While the option of taking your Mitsubishi Gallant to a workshop and having a mechanic take care of the timing may be available to you, you can save yourself a considerable amount of money by learning to adjust the timing of your car by yourself.
Things Required:
– Car manual
– Flat head screwdriver
– Timing light
Instructions
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1
The first thing that you need to do is to search for the timing check hole cover. You would typically find it above the free-wheel. If it is not there, check the car manual to see where it is located.
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2
Once you have located the timing check hole cover, grab a flat head screwdriver and use it to loosen up the cover of the timing check hole. With the cover removed, you will gain more visibility of what is inside.
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3
Locate the number one spark plug and attach the ignition wire of the timing light to it. The number one spark would typically be located to the far top-right corner of the engine.
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4
Switch on the engine and give it a few minutes to reach the operating temperature. It normally takes the engine around ten to fifteen minutes to reach operating temperature when left idle.
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5
Check when the spark plug fires by pointing the timing light through the timing check hole and watching the timing mark. Use the centre line of the timing light as a reference to check if the timing mark appears too fast or too slow. Both the scenarios indicate a problem and require slight adjustments.
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6
You will need to make adjustments to the distributor if the timing mark appears too fast or too slow. Make sure you turn off the engine before loosening the distributor mounting bolts and twisting it in the appropriate direction. If the timing mark appears too fast in relation to the centre line of the timing light, adjust the distributor clockwise. On the other hand, if the timing mark appears too slow, adjust the distributor counter-clockwise.
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7
Start the engine again and check the timing through the timing check hole after making adjustments to the distributor.
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8
Once you have the timing mark properly lined up with the centre line of the timing light, switch the engine off and remove the timing light from the ignition wire.
