Setting inital timing

[OldmanPurdy]

Hi everyone, I have a quick question about setting the initial timing on a 91 KA24DE. Do I have to set the #1 cylinder and the distrubitor to TDC, or put the distributor to TDC and the crank pulley to 20 degrees BTDC, or am I an idiot and its none of the above? I fixed my timing chain problem but removed the distributor wrong I guess. The car is getting fuel and spark. thanks

[steve s14]

set the engine to tdc and put in the distributor so that the rotor is pointing at the number one cylinder point on where the number one wire plugs into the cap the see if the engine starts. if it does start, then check with a timing light and turn the distributor until it is timed correctly.if it is timed correctly but the distributor adjustment is maxed out, then remove the distributor and realign it one tooth over until it times correctly with the distibutor roughly center in the adjustment

[amolao]

Sorry to hijack this thread but steve I have a question related to the physical alignment of the distributor:When timing is set on the right spot, whats the physical placemen of the distributor?? somewhere in the middle?? I think you stated this, just making sure... In order to get my car timing set correctly my distributor is sitting fully max clockwise...dont look right...Can you please explain the "one tooth over.." alignment for me...why one tooth over instead of just relocating the distributor in mid position and be done with it ??? Just wondering...thanks

[steve s14]

if you set the timing and the distributor is maxed out and not centered, rotating the distributor body by itself will change the timing back to where it was before you rotated the distributor to make the timing adjustment.the only choice you have to time it correctly and have the distributor position back, roughly in the middle is to remove the distributor and reinstall it one or more teeth over on the distributor gear depending on how far off the distributor body is in relation to the mounting bolt holes on the timing cover.

[amolao]

thanks

[OldmanPurdy]

Thanks Steve, I got it running now. I must have set both #1 and the distributor to TDC like 3-4 times but no good, I just lined up the mark on the crank and figured that was it. I never checked to see if #1 was actually on the compression stroke........anyways runs like a champ now thanks!

[Ligouri Rd]

Forgive the dumb question, but the compression stroke would be with all of the valves closed on the number one cylinder, right? Also according to the fsmYou line up the dowel pin with the grove on the distributor housing before installing the distributor. Do you have to compensate for the rotation of the gear as it gets inserted into the head by having it ahead of the groove or do as the manual says? I have heard it done both ways without a clear answer. Thanx

[steve s14]

yes, you have to set it at the compression stroke of #1 cylinder. you can check that by removing the spark plug on number one cylinder and putting your thumb over the spark plug hole while turning the engine by hand using a ratchet and a socket. when you feel pressure building or air escaping from the hole, thats the compression stroke. because the distributor drive gear is a helical gear, it will rotate the shaft when you put the distributor in. you just have to make sure it is pointed at the number one position when it is fully seated.

[Ligouri Rd]

ThanxIt turned out that doing it according to the manual will end up with having the ignition timing one tooth off. Luckily that was the only thing that went wrong with my freshly rebuild motor...(cept for that whole practically-no-coolant in the block-overheat-spitup-and-suck-coolant-back-in thing.)