1994 Volvo Penta 5.7 GL Timing Setting Procedure

[CobaltMike]

I have a 1994 Cobalt with a 5.7 GL Volvo Penta. It is the 2 BBL Carb and I believe the distributor is the BID or Breakerless Inductive Distributor. I have read the timing needs to be 8 degrees BTDC for 89 Octane and 3 degrees BTDC for 87 Octane.

Do I just read the timing mark on the harmonic balancer pulley or do I need to make sure the base timing is correct first? To set the base timing what is the process?

 

[alldodge]

Do I just read the timing mark on the harmonic balancer pulley or do I need to make sure the base timing is correct first? To set the base timing what is the process?

It's point and shoot, there is no base timing

 

[CobaltMike]

Point and shoot? Perfect! Thank you!

 

[alldodge]

Wait, might have mis-spoke. If you have an EST distributor then need a timing plug to ground the left side plug. Here is a 4.3 but will be the same

 

[Lou C]

These are 2 different systems; the BID uses an electronic module but a conventional centrifugal advance set up like that used with points vs the Delco EST which also uses electronic spark advance. The Delco requires the special procedure whereas I do not think the Prestolite BID does because of the conventional centrifugal (mechanical) advance.
Also:
If the module ever fails on the BID these are NLA but you can replace that with a Petronix conversion module instead of replacing the whole distributor.

 

[CobaltMike]

Wait, might have mis-spoke. If you have an EST distributor then need a timing plug to ground the left side plug. Here is a 4.3 but will be the same

I don't believe mine is an EST Distributor. From the manual I am looking at (SELOC Volvo Penta Stern Drives 1992-02) it appears to be a BID. Thanks!

 

[Lou C]

Then just time it at idle rpm

 

[CobaltMike]

Then just time it at idle rpm

Thanks to all for the help on this!