How to properly set timing?

I don't know why but I sense sarcasm in this...

Sorry I don't know everything im young... I would time it by ear but my trucks loud and its hard to hear if its detonating or not.

It wasn't sarcastic at all. I had nothing to add, but wanted to see the responses. I'm horrible at setting total timing, I don't have enough experience doing it by myself, so I always need a hand doing it. Initial I'm fine with, and getting it to run smooth, but total, like said, I need help.

Don't read so much into it, there was no sarcasm.