Ignition Timing - How to set if you're unsure of your timing marks
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Licensed Zip Tie Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 510
Likes: 2
From: Halifax, NS
Ignition Timing - How to set if you're unsure of your timing marks
I've searched and read many threads, but I'm trying to figure out the tried and true method of verifying the accuracy of timing marks without removing the front hub bolt.
Long story short, my pulleys and hubs got mixed up in a mass tear down marathon and I'm just trying to make sure I have the right combo on there.
Engine is in the car so I'm trying to avoid taking out the hub bolt to see the keyway - I know I'd need to hold the clutch all the way in for that and I know it should be at 9 o'clock if the yellow mark is lined up with the pin on the timing cover.
There have been mentions of other methods where I can check for the apex seal in the L2 & T2 spark plug holes to find TDC. However, the part that I'm foggy on is:
a) The leading mark is at 5 degrees, so if I find TDC using the spark plug hole method, do I then need to figure out how much distance = 1 degree, then mark the actual leading mark at 5 of those increments off the TDC mark?
b) I assume I need to rotate the engine in its natural rotation direction to mark when the apex seal passes the trailing hole then the leading hole?
Any help would be appreciated.
Trying to find the definitive answer on this method.
Long story short, my pulleys and hubs got mixed up in a mass tear down marathon and I'm just trying to make sure I have the right combo on there.
Engine is in the car so I'm trying to avoid taking out the hub bolt to see the keyway - I know I'd need to hold the clutch all the way in for that and I know it should be at 9 o'clock if the yellow mark is lined up with the pin on the timing cover.
There have been mentions of other methods where I can check for the apex seal in the L2 & T2 spark plug holes to find TDC. However, the part that I'm foggy on is:
a) The leading mark is at 5 degrees, so if I find TDC using the spark plug hole method, do I then need to figure out how much distance = 1 degree, then mark the actual leading mark at 5 of those increments off the TDC mark?
b) I assume I need to rotate the engine in its natural rotation direction to mark when the apex seal passes the trailing hole then the leading hole?
Any help would be appreciated.
Trying to find the definitive answer on this method.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 25,581
Likes: 136
From: Smiths Falls.(near Ottawa!.Mapquest IT!)
I'll suggest this:
If you have a spare hub,hold the hub up so that the key way is facing the exhaust at 9 o'clock position.
The bolt pattern should be sort of square if I recall correctly BUT of course you know that bolt pattern only allows the pulley to go on one way.
Now noticing the key way location and the bolt pattern,line up the engine the same way and you should be close.The Pulley by rights should have marks on it and you should be able to get the timing sorted out.
If you have a spare hub,hold the hub up so that the key way is facing the exhaust at 9 o'clock position.
The bolt pattern should be sort of square if I recall correctly BUT of course you know that bolt pattern only allows the pulley to go on one way.
Now noticing the key way location and the bolt pattern,line up the engine the same way and you should be close.The Pulley by rights should have marks on it and you should be able to get the timing sorted out.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 25,581
Likes: 136
From: Smiths Falls.(near Ottawa!.Mapquest IT!)
I tried this once also..and I was surprised it worked.
stab the Cas in 90 degree increments...like 12..3..6..and 9 ..
Then after you stab it at those 4 increments start stabbing in between the 12,3,6,and 9 oclock positions.
Once you hear the engine fire you should be able to get to tune it with the Pulley marks.
I Did this when I knew absolutely "Richard" about how to time it.I had no info on pulley marks and Was fresh off the boat..selling avocados in the Bay of Fundy....(NS reference.,.hahha!)
stab the Cas in 90 degree increments...like 12..3..6..and 9 ..
Then after you stab it at those 4 increments start stabbing in between the 12,3,6,and 9 oclock positions.
Once you hear the engine fire you should be able to get to tune it with the Pulley marks.
I Did this when I knew absolutely "Richard" about how to time it.I had no info on pulley marks and Was fresh off the boat..selling avocados in the Bay of Fundy....(NS reference.,.hahha!)
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