Timing driving me crazy...

Confirm you are using #1 plug wire to check the timing. Also use only the freen connector.

According to Chilton's (and the sticker on the hood) "Use the 2-contact connector". Um, it only has one contact!

I tried both connectors together and alternately.

Now, my experience is primarily with Toyotas, and when you short the connector, the MIL flashes. If everything is OK, it flashes regularly. If there is a problem it flashes out a code.

Connecting the white connector in the Soob causes the MIL to flash, and it's flashing regularly.

Idling below spec will not affect the timing. Advance starts a t a particular RPM,and the spec for setting the timing is below that speed.

Like he said it's the freen connector on the sub for the timing. Green, I think it just disables the computer advance to the distributor so it's just mechanical. I think your distributor may be off a tooth if you can't find the marks.

Is it possible the main pulley has slipped on the rubber insert?

Or that the key has sheared and the pulley has slipped on the shaft?

Pull the number1 plug and find TDC, if the marks are nowhere near the right place, one of these has happened.

Dave

Timing mark is on the flywheel on most Soobs, isn't it? kinda hard for that to slip.

Gee, I can't find the freen connector!

I set the timing belts and the car is running well.

Ignorant question: which cylinder is #1? IIRC it's the front cylinder on the driver's side...

Trace the cable bundle forward from the blinker fluid level sender (after it passes above the muffler bearing) - should be right there.

Carl

I can't find any reference to the blinker fluid level sender. It must be visual on a car this old. But I did find blinker fluid!

thanx for the link! I've been looking for the synthetic blinker fluid.

;^)

Carl

It's the front cyl. )ne side is farther ahead than the other. As for the "running well" - is it torqy at the low end and a bit soft at the top? or a bit slow at the bottom but goes like Jack the Bear when you get it wound up? If so you could have the belt off a tooth.

Will still "run relatively well for a 20 year old car"

It's actually pretty even across the boards. It pulls good off the line but doesn't start wheezing near the top, either.

I just wanted to check the timing, but for some reason can't...

Uhhh, good point!

Haven't had to check my timing yet, so didn't realize that.

Dave