Grasshoper needs guidance - M130 Timing adj

[MikeE63]

Hi - I am new to the forum and honestly it's been about 25yrs since I wrenched on a car. I have come seeking help and hoping you will entertain what is probably a dumb question: How do I change the engine timing? I have the engine ATDC (the marks on the cam tower are lined up) and when i look down at the counter balance it reads "10" (i will try to attach the pic). So...should the counter balance read zero at this point or at 8 degrees which is what the Haynes manual is telling me? And if it's wrong, how do I change it? Thank you for any help you can provide. Cheers!
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The back story: I recently bought a 1970 W108 280SEL with the M130 motor. I am going through the 'list' of things to refresh and educate myself. I have already changed the oil & filter, upgraded swollen/cracked hoses, adjusted & lubed throttle linkage, flushed radiator and replaced thermostat. Now onto timing, replacing distributor (not sparking evenly).

[Frank Reiner]

Originally Posted by MikeE63

Hi - I am new to the forum and honestly it's been about 25yrs since I wrenched on a car. I have come seeking help and hoping you will entertain what is probably a dumb question: How do I change the engine timing? I have the engine ATDC (the marks on the cam tower are lined up) and when i look down at the counter balance it reads "10" (i will try to attach the pic). So...should the counter balance read zero at this point or at 8 degrees which is what the Haynes manual is telling me? And if it's wrong, how do I change it? Thank you for any help you can provide. Cheers!
-----
The back story: I recently bought a 1970 W108 280SEL with the M130 motor. I am going through the 'list' of things to refresh and educate myself. I have already changed the oil & filter, upgraded swollen/cracked hoses, adjusted & lubed throttle linkage, flushed radiator and replaced thermostat. Now onto timing, replacing distributor (not sparking evenly).

In inquiring about timing, a basic question arises: Do you wish to change camshaft timing, or ignition timing?
The reference to a Haynes manual suggests that it is ignition timing.
Ignition timing is adjusted by loosening the distributor clamp, and rotating the distributor to achieve the desired timing (spark point).

[MikeE63]

Sorry, yes, ignition timing and thank you very much. I am now recalling as a teen tinkering on my first toyota truck... i was turning the distributor to adjust.

After getting the car I noticed slight hiccups at idle and after warm up. I did forget to mention i replaced plugs which were black & moist. I am going to make the ignition adjustment this weekend and see how it goes. Thx again!