I have never messed around with timing before, but I have an MSD ignition unit installed on my 91 dak. For about the first 6 years, no problems whatsoever. BUT, about 6 months ago I began getting starter kickback on warm starts. The truck starts fine, but I get that starter kickback. I sent the unit in to MSD, tested fine. I took it to my local mechanic (very reliable for most things) and they advanced my timing slightly. It was better, but the kickback still remained. After several tech calls to MSD, one tech told me my timing likely needed to be retarded. So had my local mechanic retard the timing slightly. Recently I have been getting kickback on both cold and warm starts. Irritating, and I wonder if I am slowly damaging something.

I think its time for me to time my engine myself for some trial and error. What is the general timing setting for my 3.9 dak? I'm thinking about 12 degrees advanced for idle and 28 for higher rpm. I really don't know. I have no idea what I am doing. Don't even have a light. Plan to get one.

Any advice or troubleshooting tips would be appreciated.

Peace.

 

The stock timing should be on the underhood sticker. If not it might be in the faq.

 

If you are getting starter kick back when warm, it means your timing is too far advanced. I run my initial at 10 and full at 32. I was having issues because these 318s are so efficient they only need a total timing of 28-32 and I was setting it to 36-40 because I was use to tuning GDC (god damn chevys). Hope this helps.