Timing problem

[mrmarbles]

I recently replaced my water pump and removed my timing chain guides. Somewhere in the process, I must have messed up the timing...

When I started out, I set the main pulley to top dead center, pulled off the distributor, and so on. I put it all back the same way I took it out. (At least I'm pretty sure, but the current problems lead me to believe otherwise.) When I went to turn the car back on it would not start. I tested the spark on all four, and its all good. So I decided to keep the car cranking over while I rotated the distributor, and after it was all the way turned clockwise, it was able to start and stay on by itself.

So I think that the shaft that is connected to the rotor and goes into the engine is not where it needs to be. I need to know how to set it back to the correct timing. I don't think the marks on the main pulley are no longer set to TDC or anything anymore, because I found TDC with a compression tester hose, feeling where it made a vacuum, and the marks don't match up...

Basically, I need to know how to set up the distributor timing, from the beginning.

[Varacity]

Sup man,Ok, I'm not positive what engine you have, but I'm assuming it is a DOHC KA. Here is the procedure for setting the distributor marks and timing:

1st you have to align the marks on the distributor shaft with the indented mark on the distributor housing.Next, verify and be positive that the engine's #1 piston is set at TDC. Once that's been set, turn and set the distributor rotor to it's #1 cylinder spark position.Once those have all been aligned and completed you can install the distributor, smile and start your baby up.

Hope this helps you and good luck buddy.

Eric - Varacity Automotive

[mrmarbles]

After reading a few things I decided thats what I needed to do. And your post confirmed my ideas. I just started it up again today. Just replaced my bad injector too, and it runs smoove as butta.

Thanks for all the help. My name is Eric too. lol

[carkook]

Hey im having a very similar problem, except I have a SOHC ka. My dist. drive gear snapped so i put it back in. It was at tdc and im pretty sure the dist. drive gear was put in right, but now my car will start and hold a smooth idle, but Im not able to get the rpms up. No more then idle. Is it possible that #1 piston wasnt at TDC even though I lined up the pin with the correct mark on the crank pulley?

[Varacity]

Ill try to get back to you soon with an answer for your sohc ka problem. I'm swamped with questions right now.