Hey all. I have 2 references on hand. 1 is a PDF manual for an '88. the other is on dead tree form for '89.
and '89 M/Y 323 non turbo is what I have.

I am going to tune this b6 up and I want to check the compression. adjust the idle and check the ignition timing.

The Idle Procedure has me scratching my head. It says to

• connect a tach
• Turn of lights and other electrical loads.
• Ground the Test connector ('89 states no color or pin count, '88 says green)
• Check idle speed. If necessary turn the adjustment screw

Q1 is where is the the test connector.
This img is from a PDF '88 manual. the '89 (paper) manual (my correct year) has no illustration. I am looking through the wiring manual for the test connector.
I found 1 ref. Connector EM-15. 2 pins. 1 is already grounded (black) and the other is Green/White wire connecting the "Circuit opening relay " and the air flow meter.
IS this right? The '89 wiring manual stats that it is a 2 prong (YELLOW)connector by the Driver side Firewall.

Any help would be great. As there are no stickies for any of these three procedures.

Q2: Both "Check engine timing", and "Check Engine Compression" Procedures state explicitly to Warm up the engine. This does not. So is it right that to check the idle, not let the vehicle warm up to operating temperature?

 

Get yourself a timing light that has a built-in tach reading. Disconnect the black lead at the distributor, remove the vacuum hoses from the distributor and plug them. Now you are ready to check the timing and idle speed. Let the car warm up for about 10 minutes before checking the timing and idle speed. The timing should be within spec as listed on the decal under the hood/bonnet.

If the timing is off, you know how to adjust that:-) When you are through put it all back together.

 

Ok. I can perform the test how ever.
I have not seen a timing light with a tach. I am picking up a tach at Harbor Freight.
So there is no need to ground the test conn?
I thought that these two tests aught to be done with each other. As they are related.

 

I wouldn't ground anything. If you guess wrong you might fry something not easily replaced. I just checked my 323 service manual, there's no mention of grounding anything to adjust the idle, it's 850 rpm +/- 50 rpm.

I have an Equus/Innova 3568, has a built-in tach, works great.

 

Ok. I won't be grounding anything.