300E - Timing question
 

I'm in the process of replacing the water pump and I'd like to check the timing while the belt and all of the pulleys are off and out of the way.

Can I do any harm by running the engine with all the accessories inoperative, ie water pump, alternator, A/C, etc.? I would only be running it for about 10-20 seconds at a time, just long enough to see where the timing is set at idle. And yes, I'm planning to put the coolant back in first. It just seems that the timing marks and the trigger are a lot easier to get at this way.

Thanks,

Gary

Check the timing with everything together. A dial back light is best. Dial the 0/T hash mark back to the pointer and read the scale on the light. The correct initial timing is listed on the emission certification label, and it's probably nine degrees.

A conventional fixed timing light will work okay too. Look at the balancer and place a chalk mark on the timing point - nine degrees or whatever your label says. Your mark should align with the pointer It's not that hard to see the mark and pointer with the engine in one piece.

Starting an engine that's partially disassembled is NEVER a good idea.

Duke