timing problem 89 3.0

Hi,

I had to tear the dynasty down to replace the head gaskets, and replaced the timing belt while I was there, and a few other things along the way. Now that I got it back together I cannot get the timing right. I can turn the distributer to its furthest extent and get the white mark in the sight tube, but it still has no power. The distributor was never removed from the cam, nor the cam sprockets were removed.

I tore it down again and replaced the tensioner as recommended by someone in this group, and unfortunately it still did not work. I made sure the three alignment marks were aligned, and they are dead on the marks, actually they aligned better this time around. With the distibutor in its original location, and alternating between the coolant sensor on and off the timing mark will move from about 3 inches away(towards the firewall, I think around

25 BTC) to about 10 BTC. When I adjust the distributor to its full extent(counter-clockwise) and get the mark in the sight tube it still runs terrible. Now if I turn the distributor the opposite direction(clockwise) to the other extent, it seems to have more power(the mark is way off towards the firewall), but I have not driven it yet like this. Does anyone have any suggestions as to why this is happening? I just thought of something while typing this, does it matter whether the engine is on or off when I unplug the coolant sensor? I cant remember right off if I unplugged it while it was running or if it was off when I unplugged it and then started engine. TIA for any assistance.

Wow, I just saw this post after sending the last email. So you changed the tensioner and are still in the same spot you were in? Hmmm. (Gets the FSM out...)

Sayyyy...looking at the pictures here:

THAT AIN'T A SIGHT TUBE!

It's a *recepticle for a magnetic pickup*. If you've got the mark in the tube, timing is WAY retarded! There is supposed to be a scale stamped on the bracket graded in 5 degree increments. 10 degrees is about where the rearmost screw is (toward the firewall), in the picture. I'm guessing, but it looks like the mark should be about one inch towards the firewall from the rearmost edge of that tube.

Here's the timing light procedure, straight from the FSM. It's for a '95 Caravan, doubtless yours is the same:

Set the gearshift selector in park or neutral and apply the parking brake. All lights and acessories must be off.

If using a magnetic timing light, insert the pickup probe into the open receptacle next to the timing scale window. If a magnetic timing unit is not available, use a conventional timing light connected to the number one cylinder sparkplug cable. [Warning about not puncturing cables here -- not going to reproduce it.]
Start engine and run until operating temperature is obtained.

With the engine at normal operating temperature, connect the DRB scan tool to the data link connector. Access the State Display screen. Refer to the appropriate powertrain diagnostics procedure manual. The electric radiator fan will operate and the malfunction indicator lamp (Check Engine lamp) will turn on after disconnecting the engine coolant sensor or starting the DRB scan tool procedure.
Aim Timing Light at timing scale or read magnetic timing unit. If flash occurs when timing mark is before specified degree mark, timing is advanced. To adjust, turn distributor housing in direction of rotor rotation. If flash occurs when timing mark is after specified degree mark, timing is retarded. To adjust, turn distributor housing against direction of rotor rotation. Refer to Vehicle Emission Control Information lable for correct timing specification. If timing is within +- 2 degrees of value specified on label, preceed to step 8. If outside specified tolerance, proceed to next step.

Loosen distributor hold-down arm screw enough to rotate the distributor housing. Turn distributor housing to adjust timing. Tighten the hold-down arm screw and recheck timing.
Turn the engine off. Remove timing light or magnetic timing unit and tachometer. If the engine coolant temperature sensor was disconnected, connect the sensor and erase diagnostic trouble codes using the DRB scan tool.

(There is no step 8. Dang engineers!)

I'll betcha that you've got it timed almost right! Take it for a drive.

--Geoff