Editing How to prep and start a rebuilt engine (section)
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===Timing (mechanical distributor) === For installing a Chevy V8 distributor and setting the timing so the engine will fire immediately, see [[How to install a distributor]]. Other distributors will install similarly, but be sure of the [http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Category:Firing_orders firing order and distributor rotation], along with any other details that might be different if another make of engine is being worked on. To help keep the engine from overheating, make sure the engine has plenty of ignition timing advance while it's running to break in the cam. You must not idle the engine even for just a minute, so set the timing using a dial back timing light or [http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/How_to_make_a_timing_tape make a timing tape] so you can see what the timing is at with the engine running at 2000-plus rpm. You can give it 32-34 degrees (not counting the vacuum advance), no problem. It will not hurt to connect the vacuum advance because the engine is running w/o a load, so there won't be detonation from excessive timing unless you were to go WAY up there. But 32 degrees without the vacuum advance hooked up, to as much as 45 degrees with the vacuum advance hooked up is OK. Placing a large fan in front of the radiator can help keep the engine cool as well.
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