The 1986 Chevy 350 should be timed at 10 BTDC on the intake and 32 BTDC on the exhaust.

1986 Chevy 350 Timing Specs

The 1986 Chevy 350 engine was an iconic powerhouse that powered a variety of classic Chevy pick-ups and cars. It features an advanced timing system that was ahead of its time. This article offers an overview of the 1986 Chevy 350 timing specs to help you understand how this advanced system works and how it is adjusted for optimal performance.

The Timing Specs
First and foremost, the 1986 Chevy 350 offered a roller camshaft for smooth and precise operation. The specs list a Curb Idle Speed (CIS) of 600 RPMs plus-or-minus 50 RPMs and a Maximum Advance at 3000 RPMs plus 15 BTDC. Furthermore, this engine also has an initial advance set at 15 BTDC, automatic spark advance starting at 1500 RPMs with Vacuum Advance set at 6 BTDC at manifold vacuum of 10 inches Hg.

Timing Adjustment
In order to adjust the timing specs, start by setting the idle speed up to 600 RPMS using the idle speed control screw found on the throttle body. Then remove the distributor cap and rotate clockwise until you get 15 degrees before top dead center (BTDC). Re-install both components and connect vacuum line to your carburetor or throttle body unit. Connect vacuum gauge to intake manifold port then adjust timing as needed using intrinsic base timing screw in distributor housing.

To conclude, understanding the 1986 Chevy 350 Timing Specs can be confusing but with knowledge of these vital specifications and correct adjustments made in sequence, maximum performance will be achieved with best overall results for your car or pick-up truck!

1986 Chevy 350 Timing Specs

Ignition Timing

The ignition timing for a 1986 Chevy 350 is best set at 10 degrees Before Top Dead Center (BTDC) at idle with the vacuum line disconnected. With the vacuum line connected, the timing should be set to 8-12 degrees BTDC. The maximum advance should be set at 34-36 degrees BTDC. This is important to ensure that the engine is running optimally and safely.

Tools Required for Timing Your 1986 Chevy 350

In order to accurately time your 1986 Chevy 350, you will need a few tools. The most important tool is a compression tester, which can help you determine if there are any problems with your engine’s compression. You will also need a timing light in order to see exactly where the timing marks are on your engine’s harmonic balancer and rotor and cap.

Adjustment Methods for 1986 Chevy 350

Once you have all of the necessary tools in place, you can begin adjusting the timing on your 1986 Chevy 350. The first step is to set the initial timing to 10 degrees BTDC, which can be done by loosening the distributor hold-down nut and turning the distributor until it reaches 10 degrees BTDC on the harmonic balancer. Once this has been done, you can then adjust the vacuum advance by turning it clockwise or counterclockwise depending on how much advance you want your engine to have at different speeds and RPMs.

Inspecting Parts To Accurately Time a1986 Chevy 350

Before attempting to adjust or inspect any of the parts related to timing your 1986 Chevy 350, it is important that you check both the harmonic balancer and rotor and cap for any signs of wear or damage. If either part appears worn or damaged, it should be replaced before attempting any further adjustments. Additionally, it may be necessary to clean both parts in order to ensure that they are properly aligned when making adjustments.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Considerations on a 1986 Chevy 350

When adjusting or inspecting parts related to timing your 1986 Chevy 350, it is important that you also consider its Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system as well. This system helps reduce exhaust emissions and increases fuel efficiency by allowing some of the exhaust gases from an engine’s cylinders back into its intake manifold during certain conditions. In order to ensure that this system is functioning properly, you should check both its valve cover gasket and EGR valve for any signs of wear or damage before making any adjustments or inspections related to timing your engine.

Checking Your Distributor Before Adjustment on a 1986 Chevy 350

Before attempting to adjust the timing on a 1986 Chevy 350, it is important to ensure that the distributor is in good condition. This can be done through two methods: points conditioning and an oscilloscope test.

Points Conditioning involves inspecting the points and replacing them if they are worn or corroded. This ensures that the current flow between them is clean and efficient. If there is any issue with the points, they should be replaced before attempting any further adjustments to the timing.

The Oscilloscope Test allows technicians to check the performance of the pickup coil and ignition module, which work together to control spark timing. The test should be conducted at idle to ensure that all components are working properly and that there is no issue with spark timing. If any issues are detected, they should be addressed before continuing with further adjustments to the timing of a 1986 Chevy 350.

Inspecting Coils, Plugs, and Wires for Efficiency on a 1986 Chevy 350

In order for a 1986 Chevy 350 engine to run efficiently, it is important that all its coils, plugs and wires are in good condition. Coils should be inspected for signs of wear or corrosion as this can lead to misfires or poor performance. Plugs should also be inspected for signs of wear or fouling as this can cause hard starting or poor fuel economy. Finally, wires from each coil should also be inspected for any signs of damage such as breaks or insulation damage as this can lead to misfiring or poor performance from individual cylinders.

If any issues are detected with any coil, plug or wire on a 1986 Chevy 350 engine then they should be replaced before attempting any further adjustments to its timing specs.

Connectors, Terminals, and Related Components on a 1986 Chevy 350

When adjusting timing specs on a 1986 Chevy 350 engine it is important that all connectors and terminals involved in the process are in good condition. All connections must be secure and free from corrosion so that current can flow freely between them. Any issues with connectors or terminals must be addressed before attempting further adjustments so as not to cause damage to other components in the vehicle’s electrical system.

It is also important that all related components such as relays and sensors are in working order as these can also affect spark timing if not functioning correctly. Any faulty components must be replaced before continuing with further adjustments so as not cause any issues while driving your vehicle with its new timing specs set up correctly.

Vacuum Hose Setup on a 1986 Chevy 350

Vacuum hoses play an important role when adjusting timing specs on a 1986 Chevy 350 engine as they help control various aspects of how your engine runs such as idle speed and emissions levels among other things. It is therefore important to ensure that all vacuum hoses are routed correctly according to their designed purpose before making changes to your vehicle’s timing specs settings so as not cause any further problems while driving your vehicle afterwards with its new setup installed correctly .

The Starter Vacuum Hose Setup involves connecting vacuum hoses from intake manifold ports near each cylinder head into an intake manifold port near each throttle body plate behind each valve cover gasket coverplate . An Alternate Vacuum Line Setup may involve routing two vacuum lines from one side of an intake manifold port near each cylinder head into another intake manifold port near each throttle body plate behind each valve cover gasket coverplate instead . Both setups require careful attention when re-routing vacuum lines while adjusting your vehicle’s timing specs so as not cause any further problems while driving afterwards with its new setup installed correctly .

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are the timing specs for a 1986 Chevy 350?
A: The ignition timing for a 1986 Chevy 350 is 6-8 degrees BTDC (Before Top Dead Center) at idle. The maximum advance is 34 degrees BTDC at 3000 RPM.

Q: What tools are required to time my 1986 Chevy 350?
A: You will need a compression tester and a timing light to time your 1986 Chevy 350.

Q: How do I adjust the timing for my 1986 Chevy 350?
A: For initial setting, you will need to adjust the distributor so that the rotor points to the number one spark plug terminal. After that, you can adjust the vacuum advance to set the idle speed and smoothness of engine operation.

Q: What parts need to be inspected for accurate timing on my 1986 Chevy 350?
A: You should inspect the harmonic balancer, rotor, and cap before adjusting your distributor. Additionally, you should check the condition of your points and perform an oscilloscope test on your pickup coil and ignition module.

Q: What components should I check before adjusting my distributor on a 1986 Chevy 350?
A: Before adjusting your distributor, you should check the coils, plugs, wires, connectors, terminals, and related components for efficiency. Additionally, make sure that your vacuum hose setup is correct according to starter or alternate vacuum line setup instructions.

The 1986 Chevy 350 engine is equipped with a timing chain and sprockets that require regular maintenance for optimal performance. The standard timing specs for this engine are 8 degrees before top dead center (BTDC) for the initial timing, and 32-34 degrees BTDC for the total advance. It is important to ensure that the timing chain and sprockets are in good condition and properly adjusted to these specifications to ensure maximum performance from your engine.