Checking the distributors ignition timing

[evinX]

Im someone whos never checked it before and have no idea what to expect apart from knowing i need a timing light.

 

Any guides..info...help would be great. Na auto. Cheers

[Mike2JZ]

Yes you will need a timing light. Something like this is what you will need https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-52616-Xenon-Timing-Light/dp/B0001K9V3Q/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=timing+light&qid=1563483507&s=gateway&sr=8-3

 

To set ignition timing you will need to have the car up to temperature. Then in the engine bay find your diagnostic port, and using a bit of wire bridge E1 & TE1. This will lock your ECU's ignition timing. You can confirm this has been successful as your engine management light will be flashing constantly when ignition is on/car is running.

 

Now is a good time to go to your distributor and locate the 12mm nut that holds it to the head. You need to loosen this nut so you can twist your distributor left/right. Just don't remove the nut completely, just enough so you can move the dizzy.

 

So with the engine running, connect your timing light to HT lead #1 and point your timing gun down at the crank pulley (try and avoid getting your timing light wires caught in the viscous fan)

 

https://imgur.com/a/ZLMuTcn

 

With your gun active and pointing at crank pulley, you should see a small white mark on the crank pulley appearing. You need to reference this mark in relation to the timing marks on the lower cambelt timing cover.

 

Now whilst you are flashing your timing light at crank pulley, twist the distributor until you align the mark on crank pulley with 10 degrees BTDC.

 

https://imgur.com/bf00744f-6cfa-4067-9e41-6b31a906f987

 

Once you are happy you are at 10degrees BTDC, tighten the nut on the distributor. Check one last time with your gun that you are still at 10 and the job is done.

[evinX]

Nice one Mike! many thanks