Swapped out D15B7 engine for a newer D15B7...taken care of any problems seen along the way...fired it up, ran pretty rough so i checked the timing...my marks are 180 degrees out but the engine still runs, somewhat ok...distributor from the old engine was reused on new one, but engine was not moved in the process


How is this possible, can anyone explain?

 

Maybe the small metal key was not installed between the crankshaft and crankshaft pulley, allowing the crank pulley to slip out of time without affecting the mechanical timing.

 

Is it possible that rotor was 180 out? But then you would think that the engine wouldn't run at all.

 

It would be difficult to install the distributor 180-degrees off:

 

Ok so I realized my firing order was off.

I had it set to fire 1, 2, 3, 4... it was starting and running when it was set like that, but now that I changed it to 1, 3, 4, 2, it wont start.

 

Check the mechanical timing.

Do you have spark at the plugs?

Is the CEL on?

Does the fuel pump prime?

 

Well.... lol.

What happened was we copied the spark plug wire setup, assuming it was correct when swapping.

I bought the car off my neighbour and it was set up 1, 2, 3, 4. When i bought an engine, the wiring was set up the same, so we figured it was correct.

In the end, I actually had it set to fire 2, 3, 4, 1... I just went out and changed it, and it fired up and purred like a kitten. Now to do some timing adjustments and all shall be well.

 

After changing the location of the wires on the distibutor cap, I was (as a total amateur) amazed to see the timing marks appear 180 back into the correct position with only a little adjustment required. So now I've jumped that hurdle, I'm waiting to see what else this beast has instore for me! Thanks. And remember to never trust what somebody before you did !