Chrysler Repair: spark timing for 92 2.2/2.5L 4 cyl., coolant temp, spark plug wire

Question
How do you time a dodge shadow? where are the timing marks and do you use a timing light?

Answer
Hi Richard,
Yes, you either have a 2.2 or 2.5L 4-cyl engine with a distributor in that vehicle which is adjustable as to spark timing. if you look at the rear of the engine on the top surface you will see a wide rectangular rubber plug which when removed will reveal the timing scale and flex plate with the timing mark indented in it some where around its circumference. If you have a timing light that uses a clip on a spark plug wire then put that on the #1 cylinder; if you have a magnetic timing light there is a hole to the left of the timing mark window into which that sensor can be plugged instead.
You warm up the engine to operating temperature. Then you remove the plug on the side of the thermostat box located between spark plug 3 and 4 which is the plug for the temp sensor, which has to be disconnected for an accurate timing setting. The radiator fan should come 'on' when you do that. At that point you can use the timing light to see where things stand which at idle should be 12 degrees BTDC. If not, then you loosen the bolt at the base of the distributor and rotate it to bring the timing into that position and then clamp it tight again.
Re-plug the coolant temp sensor and put the rubber plug back in the rectangular opening and you are done. It probably won't change for a very long time since nothing wears.
Roland