Hello All,

I have done a bunch of googling around setting the ignition timing for this engine. I cannot seem to get proper ignition timing.

I have a Gen 3 DOHC ZC engine OBD0.

Covering what I have done:
Rotated the engine to TDC on CYL1. The timing arrow printed on the oil pump housing was in line with the etched line on the crankshaft.
Removed the valve cover. I used a 4.95mm piece of rod and held the cam shafts in place.
Checked and verified that the distributor is pointing to fire on CYL1.
Carefully put on the timing belt. I ensured there were only 12 teeth between timing marks on the cam pulleys and that the crankshaft was still pointing at the arrow on the oil pump housing.
After installing the timing belt, I took up slack with the tensioner by first manually pressing on the tensioner.
Then I removed the camshaft rods, then turned the crankshaft 1/4 turn CCW, then tightened the tensioner.
Reinstalled the valve, cover, distributor cap, crank pully, alternator pully. Distributor was set to the middle most setting.
Start the car.

When checking the ignition timing. I short the automatic ignition timing circuit that is located on the right side of the engine bay.
I have to push the distributor towards the front of the car to advance the timing. The timing is off significantly retarded. I am roughly 16 degrees before the 3 hash marks. approx 30 degrees BTDC.

I cant seem to figure out how/why I am so far off. Is there something in my process that is making me so far off?

Thanks much,
Andy

 

are the spark plug wires in the correct location on the distributor cap? number one is at the top - 1-3-4-2

 

I verified that the firing order is correct on the distributor.

Is it possible that I need to advance the crank 1 tooth? Doesn't seem right... But at this point I'm not sure what to try.

 

 

arrow in line with the mark on the crankshaft timing belt gear - correct?

 

Making sure I understand it correctly:
When the crankshaft is lined up with the timing mark on the oil housing, then the TDC mark on the pulley should line up with the arrow on the cover.

I'll check that this evening and get back with you. I was wondering if I have the wrong crank pulley.
Thanks for the info.

Will know soon. Thanks.

 

correct

 

Set directly on the arrow







This engine has adjustable cams. I don't trust their orientation so I removed the valve cover.






I put my rods into the cam stops to verify time. I did find out that I needed to move them 1 tooth clockwise. They maintain 12 teeth between them.






Here is a photo of the cam pulley. I had to paint the edge so I could see the marks. Photo is 180 flipped, so front of car is to the pictures right.

 

I uploaded some pictures of the engine and timing, however, we gotta wait for the mods to approve. Should be up soon(tm)
Haha!

When comparing the cam pulley markings to the crank pulley I did find that the cams were both 1 tooth off and had to rotate them both clockwise.
I used the cam alignment holes under the valve cover as I do not trust the cam gears. The cam gears were replaced by previous owner with adjustable ones.

 

Seems like the pictures finally got added.

I put the car back together and attempted to start it, now the car is having issues with starting. The engine will turn over about 1 revolution then stop.
With the spark plugs removed, I can with relative ease turn the crank.

Thinking it may be a low battery, I put it on the trickle charge overnight. The next day, I had the same issue. So I bought a new battery and new terminals.

After install, the car will still only turn about 1 revolution then stop.


EDIT: I forgot to remove the timing jumper and let the engine warm up first.

Timing is still off, way before TDC. Will try to get picture and videos.
Is it safe to continue advancing the cams? At this rate, I'm not sure if these are the correct cams for this engine.