Timing Questions

[rustywag]

I Just did the TFI upgrade to my G-Wag. My question is how the heck am I supposed to be able to use a timing light on this thing? It's back together and running OK but I would like to at least be able to check the timing (I put in the light advance springs too). I just can't see any way to get a good view of the timing marks/damper.

[fredws]

I guess I don't understand why the TFI upgrade would make any difference. Could you get a view of the timing marks before?

[bvibert]

I don't see how the TFI upgrade would make it harder to see the marks. But it can be pretty hard to see the marks on those rigs with AC. You just have to find the right spot by either leaning over passenger side fender or over the passenger side of the grill. Watch out for the fan though!

[viscacha]

I just had the timing light out yesterday. Thought I would check the timing after putting some miles on my new TFI upgrade. I was laughing out loud about which were poorer, the location of those timing marks or my tri-focal glasses.

You have to shoot the beam right through that hole under the a/c and be able to look through there at the same time. A powerful timing light helps a lot. Mark the groove on the balancer and the #10 position mark with soapstone or a white marker.

I didn’t have to change the timing after all. :cool:

[coolram]

You can also see the timing tab from underneath.It's also marked on the front facing out.It's easier to see it but make sure you have someone on the brakes good while your'e under there.

[rustywag]

Sorry for the confusion, My question is totally unrelated to the TFI upgrade. I was just checking (trying) to check the timing because I had had the distributor out while I did it. Also, why is the timing cover marked at TDC and degrees after TDC. I've never seen an engine whos timing marks won't let you see when thing are correct (12 degrees BTDC) I'd never know if the timing was right even if I could see it. Am I just stupid here??

[un4gvn]

hey rusty i had the same prob i marked my marks with whiteout and then had a friend move the distrib and i ran the timg light but its what ever gets the job done lol...carl

[Blackjack]

Coolram's got it, try it from underneath. I found it much easier that way.

GFD

[Millerluck]

You have the Vacuum line unhooked and pluged right?

Thought so.

Later

Larry

[rustywag]

I'll try from underneath but I still want to know why the marks start at TDC and continue ATDC.

[Al Johnson]

The "A" stands for "Advanced", that is Before TDC. Yes, it's confusing.
:D

[Michael]

You have to mark the dampner with whiteout(liquid paper) or a paint pen you can see on the groove on the dampner. Then flash the light from the top kinda between all the alternator brackets and the water pump... Make sure the degree marks are clean or they are hard to see. Spray some brake clean down there to wash any debris, then remark you dampner with the paint pen or whiteout. Then hook up the light and start her up and start flashing. Hope this helps.

[ January 13, 2003, 09:24 PM: Message edited by: Michael ]