help on timing
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
help on timing
when I initially start her up there is a loud backfire out the intake. i dont know too much about c4 but i own one .84..i tried everything changed spark plugs,timing. i think i hav the timing all screwed up.. i did what the book says on how to time it but still no avail. im not doin somthin right? or forgettin sumthin. like i metioned im just learnin these things.what is the most accurate way for a dummie to time the ignition.. thak you
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Timing has to be set with the EST wire unplugged, it's a single wire back by the wiper motor, just unplug it and try setting your timing at 6-8*, tighten the dist. hold down clamp when you're done, recheck it to make sure it's still there......shut engine off and reconnect EST wire. The timing if now checked WILL NOT read 6-8*, more like 20-25*. It may have thrown a code......just disconnect the negative terminal at the battery for a few minutes, this will clear the code.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
I agree...I would start the engine and disconnect the EST plug and this will set a code 42. With the EST disconnected use the timing light and see where the balancer mark at the timing teeth. If not at 6* BTDC, loosen the distrubitor hold down bolt on the passenger side (9/16" distrubitor wrench) and go back to the drivers side and turn the cap while looking at the timing mark. Once your at 6* BTDC, tighten the bolt and then recheck to make sure it didn't move. Now connect the EST and disconnect the neg battery cable for about 30 sec to reset the code. From there timing should be correct and if there is still a problem you will know it's not the timing.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
mine is light brown wire. ywmv though. A factory (Helms) service manual is what every serious owner needs. You can buy direct from their web site or try the parts for sale section here.
A backfire can be from other things as well. If you messed w/ plugs/wires etc did you make sure you didn't cross a plug wire?
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 same old sequence since the early SBC. That goes clockwise around the distributor.
Otherwise, could be a lot of things, even the dreaded burned intake valve... lets hope not for your sake.
good luck & welcome. You will find lots of great folks here who will offer advice & even help out.
A backfire can be from other things as well. If you messed w/ plugs/wires etc did you make sure you didn't cross a plug wire?
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 same old sequence since the early SBC. That goes clockwise around the distributor.
Otherwise, could be a lot of things, even the dreaded burned intake valve... lets hope not for your sake.
good luck & welcome. You will find lots of great folks here who will offer advice & even help out.
