ignition timing

[xero1]

i found a old post about checking ignition timing using a timing light, the old post said to get engine up to opperating temp, disconnect TPS, connect inductive pickup lead to black wire ground wire that come out of the ignition coil harness. is this correct?

[vutony]

http://www.frsport.com/sr20det....html

[xero1]

i looked at the link, and it dosen't answer my qurestion. according to the link "Start your engine and let it warm up to normal operating temperature. After warmup, your engine should be idling around 850rpm - check your timing with a timing gun." where do i hook up my timing light inductive lead?

[9240sx]

I always use a sparkplug wire on the #1 coilpack to get me readings..That works best..The Black loop on the back of the harness never gives me a right reading..Be sure you have your car in timing mode before you unplug your TPS..or youll be iding at 1700rpms..And be sure you idle is a soild 700-850 rpms.. Iv done this a million times..LOL

[xero1]

thanks, using a spark plug wire works good for checking ignition timing.

[nissans13240sx]

what do you mean use a spark plug wire in cylinder #1??? do you connect it like a normal spark plug and put the other end in the coil? Also how do you get the engine in timing mode? And what if my car doesnt idle steady at 700-850 if its more between 400 and 1300 idleing? Can ignition timing even throw that off because i did try to adjust the CAS cause i thought that might have been the problem

[9240sx]

Just get a run of the mill spark plug wire and cut off the silicone to get to the wire in the middle and have about a 1/2in of that wire showing.And stuff it into the end of the 1st coilpack and run the other side of the sparkplug wire to the sparkplug..And hookup your light to the wire,NOT the coil.To get a real reading.And there are a few steps you need to do to get your car in timing mode..I dont remember off hand..And for your last question YES you need to have a steady idle between 700-850rpm to set your base timing right..

[Hijacker]

zerothread?id=59684

that was a DIY i did a long time ago. If you're on a budget, there's a black loop at the back of the coil harness. I've changed my original statement that I preferred my method with the hacked coil packs. The inductive loop works just as well.

[xero1]

i got a 1st gen. rx-7 spark plug wire and it works perftect.