Timing for a 318
before you buy anything check the condition of parts first. pull the plugs and check for oil fouling, broken insulators etc. also look at the wires for cracks or if they are even in the correct order. if you have a timing light as stated earlier you can CHECK the timing chain by looking at the timing mark and if it isnt fairly stable it is most likely bad. if you dont have a timing light you can see if your even close by "static timing". pull number 1 plug and rotate the motor till you feel compression then line up the timing mark to about 6 btdc. now mark the dist. at the #1 tower. and pull the cap and if the rotor isnt pointing at the spot or very close to it then its off. ditch the points.