I just got the d16y7 engine completely rebuilt to oem specs less than 20k ago. Now the car overheats in this hot weather. The cooling system checks out fine, but, when I shot the timing, it was at 20 degrees BTDC.

Problem is, when I try to retard the timing at the dizzy, thats as far as it goes.............20 btdc. I can advance, but, theres no point in doing that when the it should be at 16 btdc.

I figured possibly the shop that rebuilt the motor incorrectly put in the camshafts, and that is the reason why I cant retard further than 20 btdc...................also, this has got to be or part of the reason why the car is overheating in 100 degree temps.

Any thoughts HT?

 

Yes, I would say its possible the cam is off 1 tooth.

 

Actually, it has to be at 12 degree BTDC and not 16 for the D16Y7. Also, it's possible that your timing belt is off by a tooth.