Free Tune-Up Tips for a Chevy 350

Ensuring that the ignition timing is correctly set is perhaps the most important tune-up tip. As the engine rotates, the rotor underneath the distributor cap spins. At the tip of the rotor is a metal piece, which strikes metal contacts within the distributor cap and sends current to the spark plugs via the spark plug wires. Ignition timing refers to the point in time when the spark is sent to the spark plugs. If the timing is not correct, the engine will feel sluggish and the fuel mileage will suffer. In extreme cases, the engine will back fire. Setting the timing requires a timing tight. Connect the timing light to the engine following the manufacturer's instructions, then mark the number "4" which appears on the lip of the harmonic balancer with chalk. Also note the metal timing tab just above the harmonic balancer on the passenger's side of the water pump. Loosen the single nut underneath the distributor with a wrench, then start the engine. Point the light at the harmonic balancer and observe the light flash. The timing pointer and the chalk mark should align. If they do not, the timing is incorrect. Rotate the distributor slightly until the marks are in alignment, then turn the engine off, disconnect the timing light and tighten the distributor's hold-down bolt.

Now that the timing is set, it is important to check the condition and the gap of the spark plugs. Because the 350 has eight cylinder's, it has eight spark plugs. Remove the spark plugs and inspect the metal tip of each plug for ash-colored deposits. These deposits can suppress the plug's ability to produce a spark, which costs the engine power and reduces its fuel efficiency. Gently clean the tip of any fouled spark plug with a wire brush. "Gapping" the spark plugs refers to adjusting the distance between the two metal contact points at the tip of each plug. This gap is necessary for the plug to produce a sufficient spark. The 350 Chevy requires a distance of .035 of an inch between these two points. Measure the distance between the two points with a feeler gauge. To adjust the distance, gently bend the metal tip on the plug that looks like a hook.

As its name suggests, the sole purpose of the air filter is to filter any large particles out of the air before it reaches the fuel delivery system, whether a carburetor or fuel injectors. Because the 350 Chevy has been in use since 1968, the style of the engine's air filter differs. However, cleaning the air filter is the same no matter which style is used. Older 350's use a round air cleaner housing with a single wing-nut which holds the assembly's lid on. Remove the wing-nut, then lift off the lid followed by the air cleaner element. More modern 350s use a box which splits into two halves. A number of clips secures the halves together. Remove the clips with a screwdriver and lift the upper half of the assembly off, followed by the air-cleaner element. Hold the filter up to a light. The dirtier the filter, the sooner it should be replaced. There are two ways to remove much of the debris until a new filter can be purchased. The easiest is to simply tap the element against the ground to free the particles. As an alternative, compressed air can be blown through the filter.