My 1985 500 SEL has about 273,000 miles on it. I need to set the timing, due to replacing the water pump and putting on a new catalytic converter. I have heard you cannot use a light on a car with this many miles.

Does everyone agree, or is it possible to use a light. If not, what is the best way to set the timing.

 

setting timing is very easy on 116 motors. first u want you to take out the distributor. second turn the motor over to tdc. then u want you to locate the timing mark on the distributor. it is a small line that is indented into the distributor on the top side of the dist. that line must line up with the rotor to set the timing. after you install the distributor back into the motor check to see if these lines are lined up. you may want to start to insert the distributor with the rotor turned a little counter clockwise cause when you insert the dist. the rotor will want to turn clockwise. after the dist. is in and the rotor lines up with the mark on the dist. your timing is set. no light needed. tighten up the 13mm bolt or 6mm Allen head. there is no fine tuning of the timing needed either.