The car is a 1989 240sx sohc, with aprox. 180,000 miles.
The weekend before last I replaced my timing chain, tensioner, guide, and sprockets. While I did this, I went ahead and replaced my crank pulley, with a lightweight underdrive pulley. There are no oil or coolant leaks which leads me to beleive it was assembled correctly. The chain itself was matched to its marks.
However, after I had reassembled everything and flushed the oil, my car was having difficulty starting; sometimes it dies, but if I gas it a little once or twice, it will stay alive and drive. When I begin driving the car, it bucks alot for the first tries a clutch engagement, but afterwards, will accelerate smoothly. I should mention though, that the cars ignition was completely retarded(opposite of advanced, right?) just so that it would idle semi normally. Now, acceleration is very poor. And the car is much louder, with a different exhaust note.
Basically I have several theories, but would like some knowledge. I was wondering if a car could even run at say, 15 degrees after top dead center, stock ignition timing is 15 btdc. When I used a timing light, the marks were about just under 1 inch off, which leads me to two problems, either the crank pulleys timing marks were incorrect, or my timing is off. When I replaced the timing chain, I did put the engine at tdc, and the rotor was pointed at#1, which it still is. Right now I am waiting for the car to cool, when it does, I will drain the oil and turn the OIl pump/ distributor one notch retarded (once again opposite of advance).
One other addition to this long *** post, I tried to pull ECU codes, but I did not even see a screw to turn, or a light.
KA24E timing issues
Re: KA24E timing issues (Truck)
Check to see if the timing mark for TDC is lined up at the crank when the distributer is pointed at cylinder 1. You could also take the pulley back off and compare it with your old one to see if the marks line up. The light and screw for the ecu is on the back of the ecu, so you have to un-mount the ecu and turn it around to see them. Hope that helps a little.
Re: KA24E timing issues (h.240)
So I got the problem solved, and I guess I might as well explain for future refence.
On the ka24e engine, the distributor and oil pump operate on the same spindle, I dont have any pictures, but if you need a visual, the timing chain replacement how-to will show you the three peices.
So I figured out that my ignition was too far advanced; all I did to fix it was take out the oil pump, and turn the rotor on the distributer clockwise(it rotates counter clockwise while the engine is on). The spindle and oil pump need to be aligned correctly, there are two dots and once again I have no pictures, but if you do this it is very easy to find what I am talking about.
Next you insert the 2 piece assembly into the distributor, it will take some time, you will probably need to wiggle it around, but it should go right in. It fired right up, and the exhaust tone sounded good. Disconnected the TPS, adjusted idle, then I got my timing light and put it right back to 15 degrees before top dead center. If you are confused about where 15 degrees is, just pop open the hood, and look at the underside of the hood itself. It will also say some other information, like what your idle should be (700 for manual).
On the ka24e engine, the distributor and oil pump operate on the same spindle, I dont have any pictures, but if you need a visual, the timing chain replacement how-to will show you the three peices.
So I figured out that my ignition was too far advanced; all I did to fix it was take out the oil pump, and turn the rotor on the distributer clockwise(it rotates counter clockwise while the engine is on). The spindle and oil pump need to be aligned correctly, there are two dots and once again I have no pictures, but if you do this it is very easy to find what I am talking about.
Next you insert the 2 piece assembly into the distributor, it will take some time, you will probably need to wiggle it around, but it should go right in. It fired right up, and the exhaust tone sounded good. Disconnected the TPS, adjusted idle, then I got my timing light and put it right back to 15 degrees before top dead center. If you are confused about where 15 degrees is, just pop open the hood, and look at the underside of the hood itself. It will also say some other information, like what your idle should be (700 for manual).
It does. Thanks.h.240 wrote:Check to see if the timing mark for TDC is lined up at the crank when the distributer is pointed at cylinder 1. You could also take the pulley back off and compare it with your old one to see if the marks line up. The light and screw for the ecu is on the back of the ecu, so you have to un-mount the ecu and turn it around to see them. Hope that helps a little.