Timing Question (Here's 10 degrees BTDC)

[OwnerCS]

Since I started running this week, I've been running ECUTalk at verious intervals. All my readings seem to be ok except timing being at 10 degrees BTDC. When I took the engine apart I put a mark on the Cam Position Sensor (CPS) adjustment quadrant so I could put it back together with a setting that I knew would allow it to run once I got it back together as timing was on 15" BTDC before I started the project.

So I tried rotating the CPS and I can definately change the engine's idle speed. However I cannot move the 10 degrees BTDC in either direction on the diagnostic reading.

Since I don't own a timing light, do I need to seek out someone that has one to adjust timing by 5 degrees?

Even at 10 degrees BTDC it seems to run good..

[Q451990]

I'm pretty sure that ECUTalk (as well as the real Consult) isn't giving you a real timing reading. It's telling you what the ECU is calling for... So you can adjust the CAS all you want, but the ECU still has the same 10BTDC target. I would just set it back to your original setting - then tweak it when it's warmer outside. It'll run fine with the timing advanced some when it's cold outside - the real test is in the heat of July when spark knock is more likely.

Heath

[yodawill2000]

I recall one of the consult apps was 5 degree's off.
That had to tweak a .ini I believe.
Not sure if it was ECUTalk though.

[elwesso]

Heath is right the ecu talk timing assumes the base timing is set properly with a timing light. The timing displayed on the computer is saying if the ecu is adjusting the timing at all, like if the KS are detecting knock or the engine is hot enough to retard the timing

[Q451990]

I recall one of the consult apps was 5 degree's off.
That had to tweak a .ini I believe.
Not sure if it was ECUTalk though.

I think mine says 40deg BTDC at idle - so yes, most of the software is wrong. Can't remember which software I was using at the moment... It's the one Issac in the UK wrote and was nice enough to work on a power balance test.

Heath

[3Q Jay]

Since I don't own a timing light, do I need to seek out someone that has one to adjust timing by 5 degrees?

Even at 10 degrees BTDC it seems to run good..

YES.

maybe, but you actually don't know what the timing is at right now. 10BTDC on consult 'gauge' doesn't tell you anything about the BASE timing.

[NewKleer]

the problem here is that the USA vehicles report their timing with some offset to how all other vehicles do.

so most vehicles we're found show a reading 35 deg higher than actual (e.g. 50 BTDC instead of 15 BTDC). This is why ECUTalk software and LCD display have -35 deg offsets to account for this.

This is further complicated by most people expecting all vehicles run 15 BTDC static/base timing - this is not necessarily the case. You should always consult the service manual/sticker under hood etc to check this.

But it is possible that there should be a -30 offset etc. The problem is working out what the difference is between all these vehicles and if there is any way to determine the proper offset.

If people have time, if they can run this: http://www.ecutalk.com/downloads/other/Diesel.exe and email me the results (it tells you my email in the program) that would help to work it out. Especially anyone who gets 10(after correction) or any timing other than 50 BTDC without correction (and in most other consult software). Dont worry about it being 'diesel' program, its for anything.

Peter

[OwnerCS]

Cool.. I'll run it on the Q and the Max.

I'm going to buy a timing light and figure it out. The independents around here want $150 to open the hood..

[Infinitiguy19]

Hey I forgot to mention, Run on down to Auto Zone Advance Auto or simmilar and ask to rent a Coolant system pressure tester. Hook it up and make sure it holds the correct pressure (I have been too far away to remmber now, Yeah my car hates me if anyone wants to know!).