Timing Tach Location

[Get240DiZzY]

I need some help, A.S.A.P. I'm checking the timing in my 240, but for the life of me can't find anywhere that tells me where to hook up the timing tachometer. Where do I attach the timing tach? Thanks!

-Doug

[IvoryJ30t]

is it a timing light with a clamp on lead? [circular clip on end of wire]

[Get240DiZzY]

I have the timing light that clamps to the battery and the #1 plug wire, then a seperate handheld tachometer that's supposed to plug in somewhere so I can adjust the idle to the proper measuring speed. I think it's supposed to attach to the throttle sensor or sensor harness somewhere.

[IvoryJ30t]

usually there is a white plastic connector up against the firewall with a single wire. im not sure because i havent serviced any 240's lately, and im not at work, so no ALLDATA.

try to find connectors up against the firewall with one or two wires that are not connected to anything.

[IvoryJ30t]

also, usually there is a check connector that needs to be grounded inorder to put the ecu into check mode to check the base timing.

again, it would be better if i had a service manual...

lets see if anybody else chimes in.

[Get240DiZzY]

Alright, I'll go take a look... thanks.

[Get240DiZzY]

I couldn't find wires, but I found 2 bolts (which didn't work).

Can you give me the approx. location of that connector in the firewall?

[IvoryJ30t]

hold on, im gonna see if i can find a s13 service manual.

[IvoryJ30t]

damn, cant find a s13 ka manual. usually they are near the brake booster on the firewall, or on the opposite side. without the fsm, alldata, or having the car infront of me i cant say for sure.

have to wait for someone else to help out.

[Get240DiZzY]

Alright, thanks for your help. I'm finished for the night anyway, got too cold and dark.

...but I still need a place to attach that tach.

[IvoryJ30t]

im being an idiot again. too much dealing with DIS ignitions.

there should be a wire either on the coil or coming from the distributor.

i would try the distrib first because i dont want you to blow the meter.

come on, someone else has to know about this...

fsm anyone, fsm?

[Get240DiZzY]

... the center wire coming out of the distributor? There's 4 wires, 1 for each cylinder (obviously!), and one more coming out of the center, which I assume supplies the rotor with spark power!

Or am I supposed to connect it directly to the distributor somewhere?

[IvoryJ30t]

ok, the cener wire your talking about goes to the coil for spark supply. are there any wires comming from the base of the distrib?

if not, look at the coil. there should be the center output with the wire going to the distrib, on either side there will be one or two wires. a power and a ground. connect the tach lead to the power side of the coil

[IvoryJ30t]

im taking shots in the dark at this, if i could find an fsm posted here, i would be able to give exact directions.

[IvoryJ30t]

the reason im saying that is the coil might not have wire going straight to it, it might be a plug in harness.

[Get240DiZzY]

O don't *think* there are any wires coming off the distributor, except for those 5 top ones. I'll have a looksee tomorrow, though.

The tach I've got has 2 connectors... red and black.. power and ground, respectively, correct? Again, I'll check tommorrow to see if it connects straight onto the coil... or check an see if you've got directions for me. Whichever comes first.

Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it.

[IvoryJ30t]

thats it. the five wires on the distrib are the 4 cyls and the coil.

the two wires on the coil is what you are looking for.

hook the meter up to the red wire, and select 4cyl.

[Get240DiZzY]

Thanks a ton! Sorry I din't post sooner, I had to fly out to L.A. on short notice.

I'll try that today!