89 Starting Problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 109
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From: Morgantown WV
89 Starting Problem
Recently, I had to replace my fuel injectors on a 89. I used Bosch III from FIC. Unfortunately, I busted a bolt and ended up having to replace the intake manifold as well. So I removed and replace the distributor. Anyway, now I have it together and I was trying to adjust the timing. That has been difficult. It will start fine when it is cold, but runs rough and I can't get the timing set to what I think 6 degrees before TDC is. It also will not start, no fire at all, after it warms up even a little. Any advice would be appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Slinger WI
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 109
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From: Morgantown WV
I did disconnect the EST wire when I tried to set the timing. However, when I set the timing to 6 degrees before TDC, it starts to run very rough and sputters. It has back fired through the throttle body on start up once as well.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 109
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From: Morgantown WV
I have double checked the firing order, however, when I reinstalled the distributor after replacing the intake manifold, It might have been off slightly, maybe 2 or 3 degrees to the right. I thought I could make up for that by rotating the cap.
Anyway, I didn't have the engine at TDC when I pulled the distribotor. I just marked where the rotor pointed to on the firewall and when I reinstalled it afterwards, it seemed slightly to the right (clockwise).
Do yoy think I could just rotate the wires clockwise on the distributor cap 1 position and retime?
Anyway, I didn't have the engine at TDC when I pulled the distribotor. I just marked where the rotor pointed to on the firewall and when I reinstalled it afterwards, it seemed slightly to the right (clockwise).
Do yoy think I could just rotate the wires clockwise on the distributor cap 1 position and retime?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Summerland B.C. Canada
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego, Ca
Sounds like the Distributor is off a tooth. Mark the #1 plug at the Distributor on the Manifold and with the Cap removed, manually crank it over to TDC as shown on the balancer. I'm betting the rotor isn't going to line up (if it's pointing in the vicinty of #6 turn it over a 2nd time for #1). You'll need to R & R the distributor until it does. You may have to turn the cam drive gear which you can do with a long bladed screwdriver. Double check by manually cranking the engine over (it has to go around twice to be at TDC for #1). When it's right, start it up and set timing.
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Morgantown WV
I pulled the cap and cranked the engine. The mark on the harmonic balancer is just about even with the right edge (as facing the engine) of the timing gauge plate. The rotor looks like it it pointing at #8, the first plug after #1.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego, Ca
The mark on the Balancer needs to line up with 0 on the Tab. Assuming it's there, the Distributor is off (if it's pointing at 8). Easy enough to do - that's why I mark the Manifold (and at one point, there was a Tech Tip on how to get it right - sure helped me out years ago!). Anyway, when you stab the Distributor it's going to rotate, so you start a little bit back (left) from the #1 position and it should rotatate (right) into the correct place. If it's not going in all the way, then you need to get your long bladed screwdriver out and turn the Cam gear.
1989, 89, c6, corvette, distributor, dristributor, problem, replacement, start, starting, vette, warms
