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View Full Version : Need help setting ignition timing.....


SMM
11-24-2009, 12:37 AM
Let me first say I am here for advice please only post if you have advice that may help.


History behind dilemma:

Car was in recent accident, I purchased the car after the accident. Radiator hit dizzy cap and crushed the cap and rotor inside so I replaced that. I also had to write down what wire was on what pin on the distributor and individually put connectors on each wire and connect them to correct pin.

I am assuming ignition timing was wrong when I installed the new dizzy because car wont start now and I checked a million times the new distributor is installed correctly (TDC on crank mark,cylinder 1 on dizzy, lobes facing out).

Car actually started once I let it idle it seemed like it wanted to stall and did when I hit the gas. It is now back to not starting. Engine cranks but wont start, I am getting fuel, I am getting spark.

New parts since accident:
Battery
Distributor
Spark plugs
Spark plug wires
5k miles on rebuilt motor


I have checked all fuses, relays,compression,wiring,vacuum lines,grounds,plug wires are on correct cylinders, all that stuff was good to go. I also switched ECU's still nothing.



I guess I have a few NEWB questions, sorry if they sound stupid. Ok I set the new distributor @ TDC on crank pulley and looked through oil filler cap lobes were facing out. I put distributor on cylinder 1 and put cap on and unplugged TPS. Tried to crank it and nothing, its trying to start just wont it seems like its about to though. Was I suppose to set dizzy at TDC unplug TPS then turn crank pulley so that the stock timing mark on crank pulley (20 degree mark if I recall) aligns with timing pin before starting after setting dizzy at TDC?

^I looked through the FSM I downloaded and couldn't find the answer.Maybe I missed it or maybe I am just delirious from the amount of hours and work I have put in trying to sort out this problem.


How do I go about setting ignition timing? This is what I found in a search.....v


Fully warm up the engine. Shut engine off. Disconnect the TPS harness connector. It's located on the passenger's side of the engine just above the throttle assembly. Attach
timing light. Start engine and set timing to 20 degrees BTDC. Check the idle speed. It should read 650 RPM; If not, adjust the idle screw until you get 650 RPM. The idle screw is located on the passenger's side of the engine near the firewall below the intake manifold. Stop the engine. Reconnect the TPS harness connector. Start engine. The idle speed should now be 700 RPM.




.... But I cannot get car started so I can not get engine warmed up, and it says to set timing with car started.
So how do I set ignition timing with a car that will not start?
Lets say it starts how exactly do I set the timing?
How do I attach timing light?
Which one do I buy?
What is BTDC? (base timing DC?)


I am assuming the car not starting is a timing issue. It turns over has fuel and spark just wont fire, but sounds like it is about too, not to mention I am sure I covered everything else.


Any help is greatly appreciated.

BTW this is a 97' s14

rioredstang
11-25-2009, 07:08 PM
Pull the #1 spark plug out and install compression tester. Crank engine over till you have compression on #1. Now line up the timing mark on the crank to 0 degrees(the first mark). Remove dist. cap and check rotor alignment. It sounds like you have it one tooth off. You may have to pull the dist. out to rotate rotor to proper position. Sometimes this can be alittle tricky even for a professional(I am speaking from experience). Once you get it correct it will start.
Once you get it to run and warmed up, I think you have to unplug the tps sensor to put the computer it base timing mode.

You need to buy a light with a inductive clip. Any light should be fine.
Attach the clip to #1 plug wire.

BTDC-- before top dead center
All engines time at before top dead center. Yours should be at 20degrees BTDC.

SMM
11-26-2009, 09:01 PM
http://i49.tinypic.com/2u8vwvt.jpg

So crank engine over until it has compression on cylinder 1. Top dead center 0 degrees?

Ok Compression on cylinder 1, then how do I go about getting the pin to line up on the 20 degree mark? Just turn the crank with a socket until it lines up I am assuming? or are you saying after I get it on compression stroke take off crank pulley and line it up with correct mark. So after I get it lined up with correct mark when I take off dizzy cap just make sure its on cylinder one? If not take out dizzy and correct it until its on cylinder one?


Also just to be clear distributor has to be replaced with rotor on cylinder one at tdc. According to this article http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=161707

Were are talking about ignition timing not distributor timing correct?



HAHA sorry if I sound completely stupid your directions just confused me a bit. Distributor should be installed at tdc on cylinder one not 20 degrees on cylinder one.