Ignition Timing

[Tweaktac]

Hey everyone, I know this topic has come up before on the Ca forums, but i need a clear answer... I am curious how to do a BASE TIMING? I know you are suppost to pull coilpack 1 and run a jumper wire between the spark plug and coilpack, and hook your timing light up to that...and i know it is suppost to be set at 15 degrees BTDC, but when I adjust it, it appears that the ECU is trying compensate and adjust the timing by itself. I was wondering if I have to reset my ECU or if there is a way to do BASE TIMING? If someone knows this, please respond, any help is appreciated...thanx,Troy

[USDM_OneVia]

I did a whole write up on the "proper" way to time the car a while back. Just search for post's by me and you will find it. But to save you a bit of trouble, you are on the right track.

Also, make sure you aren't throwing any ECU codes. If it is looking for the knock sensor and doesn't see it, it will retard the crap out of your timing.

Joe

[nab911]

Is there a way to check ECU codes if the engine isnt running? Caus mine wont start but i need to check to see if its throwing codes.

[USDM_OneVia]

It should, the engine does not and should not be running to give a trouble code.

Joe

[Nismo1182]

Engine doesnt have to be on.

[Tweaktac]

Hey USDM_OneVia, I checked the previous thread on igntion timing...there was a lot of talk about that stupid loop...haha. But from what i took is that without using a "tool" just a timing light, then you just adjust your CAS, and thats it, there is no base timing and don't have to worry about the ecu interfering? I am just making sure... Also, when I start my car in the morning, it revs up and then stutters, then craps out on me, and when i push the gas it either starts to die, or will backfire like crazy... but this seems to only happen in the morning? Could that be because of my Engine Temp Sensor? Anyway, thanx for all the help...

[boost_boy]

You don't have timing issues, you have electrical issues. Couold be AFM wire installation or could start accessory issues. Setting your timing can be done with an old spark plug wire taped to your #1 coil with electrical tape, hook the lead to the spak plug wire and run your engine. If timing nneds to be adjusted, loosen the three 10mm bolts and adjust your CAS.

Dee

[nab911]

Well all my electrical issues are fine now. All lights, radio and all work. The problem was my friend took my alt fuse and didnt put it back... but now its all gravy it just wont catch and hold. I have spark on the plug when i crank it and ground the threads so im not sure whats wrong. Im going to check the ecu codes this afternoon but i need to find a list of them all.

[boost_boy]

Remove your fuel pump fuse and try to crank it. Sometimes your battery power is not up to par, so it causes the car to deliver a weak spark. Also, unplug your afm and don't push the gas pedal. Let the car start under it's own power and when it starts, put in the fuel pump fuse while it's running.

Dee

[nab911]

Well i dont have any belts on it right now so its trying to start under a jump but we didnt think that a weak spark wouldnt caus it not to start because any fire in a fuel loaded cylinder should fire but will it draw enough fuel to start without the fuse in?

[boost_boy]

You really need to get a belt on the alternator as it supplies the car with the necessary voltage needed to operate the system. And contrary to what you guys thought, the CA will laugh at you and tease if it doesn't have the coreect amount of voltage/amperage. Finsih the job up and then try to start. Jumping 240s without proper system connection is a disaster waiting to happen.

Dee

[nab911]

Well ill probly get the belt today and see what i can do. Thanks for all your help guys and i hope this is the last thing i need to get this puppy running.