Ignition Timing

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keith
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Ignition Timing

Post by keith »

As for checking the timing, pull the top timing cover and turn the engine until the cam timing marks line up. See the FSM for a picture of the marks. http://tercel4wd.com/fsm/1985_Manualindex.html go to page tabs and page 43. Then check to see if the timing mark on the pulley lines up with the 0°TDC mark on the lower timing belt cover. If it doesn't, then you are going to have to go in further and pull the lower timing cover and check the marks on the lower timing gear.

If the marks do line up, you are at TDC for the number 1 cylinder. Pull the distributor cap and see if the rotor is pointing directly at the No 1 post on the cap. If it isn't then pull the distributor and line up the shaft gear. Turn the rotor till its near where the No 1 post should be with the cap on, on the, the pin that holds it in place should line up with a mark on the body of the distributor.

Image

While the distributor is out, this would be a good time to check the mechanical and vacuum advances. Hold the lower timing gear and turn the top of the rotor. It should twist some, if not, put some light oil on the weights located under the bottom plate. Spray oil on everything under there, it won't hurt anything.

You can see the plate the vacuum advance is moving by looking at the arm coming from the vacuum advance. Move this plate in the direction that pushes the arm toward the vacuum advance. If it won't move, oil it till it does. Then check to see if you get a puff of air from one of the ports every time you move it in. If so, you are ready for the next step.

Insert the distributor. Turn the engine so that the timing mark on the pulley lines up with the 5°BTDC mark on the lower timing belt cover, then turn the distributor body till the ignitor lines up with a vane like this.

Image

After you tighten everything down, start the engine, the timing light should show the timing mark at 13° BTDC with the vacuum lines connected, 5° without.
Last edited by keith on Tue Oct 15, 2013 1:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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sdoan
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My tercel:: 1983 Tercel 4wd DLX 2nd owner (sold), 1984 SR5 3rd owner (sold), 1984 with 4A engine and factory sunroof SR5 3rd owner.
Location: Bellingham, WA

Re: Ignition Timing

Post by sdoan »

Nice write up. I was not aware of the timing mark on the distributor body.
Snax
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Location: Eugene, OR

Re: Ignition Timing

Post by Snax »

So am I correct to assume that a person not watching the marks could install the distributor off timed? I've got mine advanced to the stop with no detonation, but I'm also not using the vacuum advance per Weber with the aftermarket carb. I've never bothered to check whether it is actually where it should be. :P
83 SR5, 32/36 Weber DGEV
94 Escort LX Wagon
11 Flex SEL
keith
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Location: Tennessee

Re: Ignition Timing

Post by keith »

Normally I'd say never assume, but in this case, I think you'd be correct.
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ARCHINSTL
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My tercel:: Goldie is a 1986 SR5 attualmente con Weber/also owned the first T4WD in STL in late '82
Location: Kirkwood, a 'burb of St. Louis

Re: Ignition Timing

Post by ARCHINSTL »

T4WD augury?
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