The engine in a Chevrolet truck has to be properly timed or the truck will not crank. Timing a Chevrolet truck consists of getting everything in a timing order from the engine to the distributor. When timing the engine, you will need to follow each step of the timing process exactly step for step, but you can time the engine in the Chevrolet truck yourself with just a few tools.
Remove the number one spark plug wire and the spark plug from the cylinder head. Use the ratchet and a spark plug socket. You will be able to find the firing order on the top of the engine block. Most Chevrolet engine firing orders are "18436572."
Put the flat head screwdriver inside of the hole that the spark plug came from.
Place the socket and ratchet on the crankshaft pulley nut and start turning the crankshaft
Continue turning the crankshaft pulley until you feel the piston push the screwdriver up. When the piston reaches the top of the cylinder, the engine will be at top dead center. Put the spark plug back in and reattach the spark plug wire back to the spark plug.
Remove the distributor cap and make sure that the rotor inside of the distributor is pointing towards the number one spark plug. If so, then the engine is properly timed. If not, then the piston did not come all the way up or is too far down.
Crank the truck up and let the engine run until it is at the normal operating temperature.
Remove the vacuum hose that runs to the distributor. Shut the engine off.
Loosen the main distributor nut that holds the distributor into the block.
Hook one end of the timing light up to the number one plug wire and the other end to the battery.
Mark the crankshaft pulley directly across from the timing marks with a piece of white chalk. Start the engine again, holding onto the distributor so it doesn't move.
Point the timing light at the crankshaft pulley. The crankshaft pulley has timing marks behind the pulley to adjust the timing by. If the timing light does not land on the timing marks each time that the crankshaft pulley rotates, you will need to rotate the distributor until the marks match.
Rotate the distributor clockwise about 1/4 of a round and then check the timing marks again with the timing light. If the timing is accurately set, tighten the distributor nut back down and reconnect the vacuum hose. If the timing is still off, keep rotating the distributor clockwise until the timing light is timed with the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley.
