Ok so I sent my head off to get it resurfaced and got it back, put it on the car, got everything hooked up in the right places and my car won't start. I had it set to TDC when I took the head off so I know the crank is set right, I had to set the cam back to "UP" because the guy didn't put it back in the way I had it. So my problem is that now when the crank is at TDC and the cam gear is up, the valves are closed but when I turn the crank by hand the exhaust valves open, now correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't the intake valves open after TDC? My question is did I just set the timing wrong or did the guy throw everything together half-assed and put the cam in wrong? Any help is greatly appreciated

 

Cam gear may be on wrong. With the crank and cam set to TDC1, the distributor drive slot in the end of the cam should be straight up and down with the groove toward the front of the car.

The "UP" is only for approximate alignment. You need to look at the slash marks on the sides and/or the plastic pointer at 7 o'clock (if equipped) when setting the cam timing.

 

I put a skunk2 cam gear on it to adjust the timing 4.75 degrees since it's a mini me and it's a half tooth off with stock cam gear but it can only go on one way with the key that goes in it, I had it set to TDC, the car won't start but it sputters a little when it's turning over, the distributor went in easily so I don't think that's in there wrong, I guess I should take the cap off and see where that's at

 

If it is 180 off at the cam would I be able to turn the crank one whole rotation to have it set right?

 

I don't see how the cam gear can be out being it's referenced by a keyway.

The distributor could be 180 out as even though the teeth are offset, it's still possible to insert 180 off as some users have proven.

As can be seen in the following thread linked below... After TDC the exhaust valves open as spark has just occurred:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-...lve-s-3260987/

If you had the head milled, this will increase your offset a little bit more than the 4.75° half tooth offset. By how much, I am not sure.

 

Can't answer until you clarify which direction you are turning the crank and which cylinder's valves you are referencing.


There isn't a wrong way to install the cam when the head is removed unless it's installed with the cam gear side where the distributor is which I'd believe is physically impossible. Simply rotate until the timing marks are level. My Skunk2 cam gear has marks for both a Z6 and Y8, does yours? And if both, which one are you referencing?

Do not rotate the crank if it's already at TDC, think about it. If you were to rotate the crank one whole rotation would you not be exactly where you started?


2 things,

1) Are you adjusted +/- 4.75degrees?
2) Have you adjusted the ignition timing at all when trying to crank the engine?

 

If you're not sure the crank is at TDC, you can remove the #1 spark plug and probe in the cylinder.

Do what I said and TDC the engine then check the camshaft position by looking at the distributor drive slot. This will also let you confirm the distributor is engaged properly.

When you are at TDC1, all four valves on #1 should be closed. #4 should be in transition between closing its exhaust valves and opening the intake valves. After you rotate the crank counterclockwise 180 degrees to BDC, the exhaust valves on #1 should open.

 

I was turning the engine counterclockwise by hand but I think I got it, I just lined everything up and set the timing, checked it with a light and it's at 12* so it's all good

 

And it runs now?

 

Yeah it's running with no issues, I think my dumbass forgot to move the distributor the first time lol it was all the way retarded but I'm still kinda new to anything with timing, I usaually get my buddy who's ASE certified to do it