Bad timing on my 88'

[.:Rafael]

Hi there..!

Well I've just finished rebuilding my 2.3 engine, and everything went just as smooth as I wanted, but the problem started when timing the engine.

I've been searching in the forum and I can't seem to find the solution, so here what I've done so far.

Aligned the crankshaft mark to the block's mark and the distributor aligned at cyl #1 using this firing order from tech library (is it ok? seems odd to me)

The thing is, that it's suppossed to be a mark on my camshaft cover or at least I've read that. I don't have any problem with the mark on the camshaft sprocket (easy to see) it's just that I dont have any timing cover so I just don't know where to point it, from what I've read it should be pointing at 5 o'clock, and that's where I pointed (just pointed not aligned)

So it doesn't run ok and i can't time it properly even if I play with the distributor. It seem that is way advanced the ignition (lots of knocking and the exhaust manifold glowing )

So what can I do?

 

[.:Rafael]

I was thinking of using some sort of pin that's coming out of the head to align camshaft it kinds of sits at 5 o'clock

What do you think guys?

 

[.:Rafael]

Any input would be appreciated..

Also I'm not sure if the firing order is correct for my 88 anyone?


Thanks in advance..

 

[pinturbo75]

use a string..... hold the string on the bolt on the camshaft and extend it to the auxiliary shaft gear bolt...then align the cam gear mark to the spot where the string crosses the gear at near 5 oclock..... you will probably have to reset the distributor after this....

 

[.:Rafael]

use a string..... hold the string on the bolt on the camshaft and extend it to the auxiliary shaft gear bolt...then align the cam gear mark to the spot where the string crosses the gear at near 5 oclock..... you will probably have to reset the distributor after this....

Seems kind of "arbitrary" that method, but you know what..


It worked


I was 1 tooth away (I was aligning with the cam lobes), I still have to find some vaccum leaks. But overall it improved engine response

Thanks a lot