I'm stupid, someone explain timing to me.
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From: Atlanta, TX, USA
I'm stupid, someone explain timing to me.
What the hell does the timing light actually do?
When you check timing, you checking position of the crankshaft / pistons, correct?
If the timing is off, you adjust the distributor. How does this effect the position of the crankshaft?
Someone try and explain it to a 10 year old.
When you check timing, you checking position of the crankshaft / pistons, correct?
If the timing is off, you adjust the distributor. How does this effect the position of the crankshaft?
Someone try and explain it to a 10 year old.
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: DE, USA
Re: I'm stupid, someone explain timing to me. (Attoir)
You are refereing ignition timing right? I hope so because you mentiond timing light.....
Anyway........
Ignition timing is measured in degrees from the top dead center of the crankshaft. Top Dead center is the highest position the piston will in the cylinder.
Ignigtion timing for a honda is usually 16 degrees before top dead center. This means before the piston reaches the top, spark plug has already fired and will be burning the air and fuel mixture.
As the RPM increases, ignition timing also increases to compensate for the piston speed.
Some honda motors benefit by a little ignition timing advance because it gives the air and fuel more time to burn. But if too much ignition timing is allowed, the cylinders will achieve maximum presure because of the air and fuel burned while the piston is still on its way up. This will either break the piston or slow its upward movement thereby reducing power.
Hope this helps.
Anyway........
Ignition timing is measured in degrees from the top dead center of the crankshaft. Top Dead center is the highest position the piston will in the cylinder.
Ignigtion timing for a honda is usually 16 degrees before top dead center. This means before the piston reaches the top, spark plug has already fired and will be burning the air and fuel mixture.
As the RPM increases, ignition timing also increases to compensate for the piston speed.
Some honda motors benefit by a little ignition timing advance because it gives the air and fuel more time to burn. But if too much ignition timing is allowed, the cylinders will achieve maximum presure because of the air and fuel burned while the piston is still on its way up. This will either break the piston or slow its upward movement thereby reducing power.
Hope this helps.
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From: Atlanta, TX, USA
Re: I'm stupid, someone explain timing to me. (Attoir)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Attoir »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What the hell does the timing light actually do?
If the timing is off, you adjust the distributor. How does this effect the position of the crankshaft?
Someone try and explain it to a 10 year old.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That eliminates one question. What I don't understand tho, is how adjusting position of the distributor can change where the little timing marks on the crankshaft pulley are.
If the timing is off, you adjust the distributor. How does this effect the position of the crankshaft?
Someone try and explain it to a 10 year old.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That eliminates one question. What I don't understand tho, is how adjusting position of the distributor can change where the little timing marks on the crankshaft pulley are.
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From: Glen Cove/Richmond, NY/VA
Re: I'm stupid, someone explain timing to me. (Attoir)
How would you know if the timing is off?
I'm assuming that it's a good idea to get the timing done after one has replaced the distributor.
I'm assuming that it's a good idea to get the timing done after one has replaced the distributor.
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From: Madison, WI, USA
Re: I'm stupid, someone explain timing to me. (Attoir)
When you advance the ignition timing by moving the distributor, you make the light blink a little earlier, thus the crank will appear to be in a different position during the flash of light. Retarding the ignition timig does the opposite.
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From: salem, or, usa
Re: I'm stupid, someone explain timing to me. (Attoir)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Attoir »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
That eliminates one question. What I don't understand tho, is how adjusting position of the distributor can change where the little timing marks on the crankshaft pulley are.</TD></TR></TABLE>
To explain it a little better! The distributor is what gives the spark plugs the spark for the chamber! The distributor is given its timing off of the cam(s). The cam timing is derived by the crank via the timing belt! They are all connected! The timing belt is not adjustable while the engine is on, But the distributor is! That is why timing is adjusted there. and because it is easier!
That eliminates one question. What I don't understand tho, is how adjusting position of the distributor can change where the little timing marks on the crankshaft pulley are.</TD></TR></TABLE>
To explain it a little better! The distributor is what gives the spark plugs the spark for the chamber! The distributor is given its timing off of the cam(s). The cam timing is derived by the crank via the timing belt! They are all connected! The timing belt is not adjustable while the engine is on, But the distributor is! That is why timing is adjusted there. and because it is easier!
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