I have mine locked out and I never have to touch the timing once the distributor is in, although I do check it with a light. I put the balancer at exactly 38 deg btdc and put the distributor in with the rotor pointed exactly at the #! plug post...If I need to I turn the oil pump with a screwdriver. It has always been on the money when I start it and put a light on it. This only works with the advance locked out.