Replaced distributor - timing is wrong

[starvin4speed]

I replaced my distributor, cap, rotor, wires and plugs, installed a K&N intake, throttle body spacer.
Problem: I forgot to mark the distributor position. I had a brother in law help set the timing, truck runs but cranks slow and service engine soon light stays on after we cleared it. Code shows problem with distributor. Can I, a novice, set the timing or should I take it to dealership?

After lining up the marks on the crank pulley and block, B-in-law removed distributor and reached into the opening with a long screwdriver and attempted to reset doohickey inside engine. Truck cranks and seems to run, although idles a bit fast and drags when cranking, sometimes it almost starts and dies, then cranks on the next try.

Help, I would like to fix this myself if possible, but I don't know anything about setting the timing.

[mrjohnwayne]

what year truck? if it is 96+ you need a realtime computer to check and set timing. If it is pre vortec there is a brown wire on the passanger side next to the ac stuff. You have to unplug that while setting timing.

[starvin4speed]

Thanks Duke, it is a 1998 vortec, I guess I will take it to the dealership service dept.

thanks again

[mrjohnwayne]

no problem