how do i set the timing on my ford escort 1300 chv engine?

Hi Ray. your timing is adjustable but I advise you check to make sure everything else is correct. Has the engine had a timing belt fitted? The reason I ask this is the distibutor is marked in production when set and should not need any adjustment if the cam timing is correct. At the base of the distributor where it mates with the cylinder head, there should be what looks like a small cut, there will be a corresponding mark on the cylinder head and these should be in line. If they are not, you should check the cam timing. This can be done by removing the belt cover, just the top one, and turning the engine over until the pointer on the cam wheel points to a dot marked on the head, then with a torch look for the timing mark on the crank pulley, it should line up with the TDC mark on the belt cover. If no mark is visible, you may need to turn the engine over again by hand 180 degees to show the crankshaft timing mark. All three ( distributor, camshaft and crankshaft) should line up with there corresponding marks. If not then adjustments to the timing via the belt will have to be made. If your distributor has a blue cap, undo the two screws that hold it on and check the centre contact for the rotor arm, make sure its not badly burnt. They had a habit of burning through. Replace cap and rotor if found burnt.

Paul
January 2008