Can't see timing marks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
..Don't forget , you have to disconnect the EST wire near the brake booster in order to time the engine......WW
Last edited by WW7; Nov 8, 2014 at 06:37 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Take some white paint (whiteout works) or a white chalk marker to put in the timing slot/groove on the balancer...This will make it show up clearly when the timing light shines on it......Don't forget , you have to disconnect the ECT wire near the brake booster in order to time the engine......WW
..Don't forget , you have to disconnect the ECT wire near the brake booster in order to time the engine......WW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Take a 5/8's six point socket on a breaker bar and put it on the bolt in the center of the balancer. Turn the balancer until you can see the slot cut in the balancer. Then take a rag and clean the slot. Apply some white out to the slot.
Take your rag and clean off the timing marks on the timing chain cover that sticks out over the balancer.
To check the timing you have to disconnect the single brown wire (think it has a white stripe) that is back by the wiper motor. This prevents the computer from advancing or retarding the timing as you move the distributor. Disconnecting this will will set a code 44. When you are finished, disconnect the NEGATIVE BLACK cable from the battery for 30 seconds to erase all stored error codes.
Take your rag and clean off the timing marks on the timing chain cover that sticks out over the balancer.
To check the timing you have to disconnect the single brown wire (think it has a white stripe) that is back by the wiper motor. This prevents the computer from advancing or retarding the timing as you move the distributor. Disconnecting this will will set a code 44. When you are finished, disconnect the NEGATIVE BLACK cable from the battery for 30 seconds to erase all stored error codes.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
The timing marks on my "85 are VERY hard to see so using something to highlight them is a must. As noted above, rotate the crankshaft to locate the marks. You can pull the dist. cap and as the rotor starts to point to #1 you should see the marks. Also as noted, you have to disconnect the EST wire to remove computer control and set the base line timing. After that, the computer takes over with sensor readings and sets the timing as needed.
If you do these things, setting the timing is easy. I f you dont see the marks, your harmonic balancer is toast and your only options are setting by ear or replacement of the balancer.
Good luck!
If you do these things, setting the timing is easy. I f you dont see the marks, your harmonic balancer is toast and your only options are setting by ear or replacement of the balancer.
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
It's possible that the outer ring of the harmonic balancer has shifted.
It's tan with a black stripe.
The error code will be 42.
You only have to disconnect the cable for about one second. You can also open the ECM power connector for one second or so. This guy:
The error code will be 42.
