Just checked the engine code at the alternator stand base and according to the code and Mr. Muir my engine should be timed at 5 degrees ATDC. I just now checked the static timing and it looks like it's set to... oh, about 32 degrees BTDC. WTF?!? It's an aftermarket pulley but it is keyed so I don't see how it could be off that much unless it's just LAME and the timing numbers are just bogus... but... I turned the bolt counter-clockwise the first time I saw the test light come on at 32 degrees BTDC thinking "No way!!!" so I could back it up a little and try again and... the bolt came loose very easily. Hmmm... So I removed the pulley with a few wiggles and tugs. I was not able to do that when I pulled the pulley off of the LCB many moons ago. I had to use a 3-arm puller to get that one off. I put my new sand seal pulley into place just enough to line it up with the key thingie on the end of the crank and checked... and it looked like it was also right around 30 degress BTDC. The crank orientation got moved a tiny bit while swapping the pulley... but it looks like this thing is timed WAAAAY too advanced. I removed the passenger side valve cover while doing this and watched the valves on #1 cylinder and they both closed up just as the rotor was heading towards plug wire #1 so that much looked right like it was on the compression stroke for #1 cylinder. What do y'all think? I know I've heard some stories of how amazed people are when these engines run even when the timing is waaay out, but does this sound likely to you that mine is set at 32 BTDC and that it still runs? The reason I was checking the timing is that I've been having trouble getting the rail to start. Once started it seems to run pretty well... Thanks in advance for input.
- posted
18 years ago