Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1988NOVA/CHEVY II L4-1600CC DOHCREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTIGNITION SYSTEMIGNITION TIMINGADJUSTMENTS
1988 Chevrolet Nova/Chevy II L4-1600cc DOHC
Ignition Timing: Adjustments
1988 Chevrolet Nova/Chevy II L4-1600cc DOHCSECTION Adjustments
NOTE: Make adjustments with engine at normal operating temperature and all accessaries off.
1. Remove cap and install a jumper wire between the pins of the timing connector, located near the windshield wiper motor.
2. Using the idle speed adjusting screw set idle speed to 800 RPM.
3. Connect a timing light to cylinder #1, check and adjust ignition timing to 10° BTDC.
4. Disconnect the jumper wire from the ignition timing connector.
5. Recheck ignition timing results should be: more than 16° BTDC M/T in neutral or more than 12° BTDC A/T in neutral. If ignition timing is not within specifications repeat steps #1 through #5.
6. Reinstall cap to timing connector.
7. Readjust idle speed to 650 RPM M/T or 750 RPM A/T.
1. Remove cap and install a jumper wire between the pins of the timing connector, located near the windshield wiper motor.
2. Using the idle speed adjusting screw set idle speed to 800 RPM.
3. Connect a timing light to cylinder #1, check and adjust ignition timing to 10° BTDC.
4. Disconnect the jumper wire from the ignition timing connector.
5. Recheck ignition timing results should be: more than 16° BTDC M/T in neutral or more than 12° BTDC A/T in neutral. If ignition timing is not within specifications repeat steps #1 through #5.
6. Reinstall cap to timing connector.
7. Readjust idle speed to 650 RPM M/T or 750 RPM A/T.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.