How to Ignition Time a 1987 Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan.

The ignition timing in your Toyota Corolla determines when the spark in its internal combustion engine will occur. You should routinely adjust the ignition timing to its proper setting to keep the engine running smoothly. The 1987 Corolla has an ignition timing of 10 degrees before top dead center (BTDC). This timing applies to the 1.6-liter, two-barrel, four-cylinder engine. Be careful not to damage or interfere with any of the moving parts under the hood when setting the ignition timing.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Timing light
• Wrench

1. How to Set the Ignition Timing on a 1987 Toyota Corolla

   • 1

     Turn your 1987 Corolla on by placing the key in the ignition and turning the key. Turn off any electronic accessories in the car. The radio, air conditioning, heat and other equipment should be turned off.

   • 2

     Set the Corolla's emergency brake and shift the transmission into neutral. Take the engine to an idle speed of 800 rpm gradually.

   • 3

     Exit your vehicle with the emergency brake engaged and open the hood.

   • 4

     Connect the red clip on the timing light to the battery's positive terminal and connect the black clip to the battery's negative terminal. Then, connect the timing light to the main crank pulley and the No. 1 spark plug.

   • 5

     Check the timing mark on the main crank pulley. You don't need to adjust the timing if it reads 10 degrees because that is the recommended setting on the 1987 Toyota Corolla.

   • 6

     Locate the distributor lockdown bolt. It should be at the base of the distributor housing. Use a wrench to loosen the lockdown bolt. Disconnect the distributor vacuum hose from the distributor housing. This will allow you to adjust the ignition timing.

   • 7

     Rotate the distributor with your hand until the timing mark falls into 10 degrees BTDC.

   • 8

     Connect the distributor vacuum hose back onto the distributor housing and tighten the distributor lockdown bolt after you set the ignition timing. Remove the timing light and close the hood.