Odd Timing question

MatBat · Post by **MatBat** » Sat May 26, 2007 4:01 pm

I was trying to advance my timing today by ear (advance it till it pinks and then wind it back a touch). However If I rotate it to full advance (anticlockwise looking from front right?) (as in the end of travel for the CAS) it still runs really well and wont pink. What's up with this? The REV's go up so I assume it is advancing it, and the car goes well.......

Any info appreciated.

Post by **zorruno** » Sat May 26, 2007 4:16 pm

MatBat wrote:I was trying to advance my timing today by ear

Are you shorting out the diagnostic connector whilst you do this?

http://www.mx5forum.co.nz/viewtopic.php?t=6039

MatBat · Post by **MatBat** » Sat May 26, 2007 5:02 pm

Yeah I shorted teh diagnostic thingee when I adjusted it but not when I went for a drive. What I've done in the past is to advance it until the engine starts to pink if you say, put the car in 4th at 30kp/h and plant foot, which is a load it'd never see in normal driving.

MatBat · Post by **MatBat** » Sun May 27, 2007 9:32 am

Hmm, I thought that maybe I had the dreaded Crankshaft wear however I looked at my crank nose this morning and it seems I've got fitted the "big" crank with the larger bolt, (as far as I'm aware these are not susceptable to wear). My car being a 1989 I assume either, I have a later model engine fitted, or someone has changed the crank. Could it be possible that if I have the larger crank fitted from a later engine has affected the timing positions? I can retard the timing till it stops running but not advance it till it pinks (even under maximum load). I'm very confused now.

Trevor · Post by **Trevor** » Sun May 27, 2007 10:54 am

I think that you would be well advised to beg, borrow, or purchase a strobe timing light. Cheap ones based on a simple directly energised neon lamp are quite effective, provided used in a well shaded location.

Otherwise you may remain confused.

MatBat · Post by **MatBat** » Sun May 27, 2007 11:04 am

Good point, but I'd still have expected to get the car to pink by advancing the car as far as possible. Just hoping I haven't got a dying crank.

GerryAttrick · Post by **GerryAttrick** » Sun May 27, 2007 4:18 pm

On Sunday 27 May 2007 10:54, Trevor wrote:

I think that you would be well advised to beg, borrow, or purchase a strobe
timing light. Cheap ones based on a simple directly energised neon lamp are
quite effective, provided used in a well shaded location.

Otherwise you may remain confused. [Laughing] [Wink]

If you want the loan of one I can lend one (assuming you are in Auckland) and
will be at the Cardronna on Wednesday. I'll take it with me just in case

Later- just logged on and see you are in Christchurch...so I guess the Cardronna (in Auckland anyway) is out for this Wednesday. So I won't take the timing light after all.

MatBat · Post by **MatBat** » Sun May 27, 2007 6:36 pm

LOl, thanks for the offer, no I'm afraid I wont be there.
I'll try and borrow a timing light tomorrow and check it,