GVR-4 89 JDM Galant base timing out 180

[CanadianTalonTC]

Hey guys,

Helping out a new friend with his JDM Galant.

Completely stock, working on fixing all the boost/vacuum leaks etc etc. It was 1 tooth out of time so I retimed it with him, however unless the lower cover has changed at some point I cannot seem to set base timing. It shows 180 degrees out every time. I even rotated the CAS 180, didn't change anything. When you move it left and right my mark moves, but still on the opposite side of where I would expect.

I have tried plugs 1 through 4 for reference.

Do I need an adjustable timing light to go -180? I feel like I'm missing something obvious here. I have a 2gb 7 bolt so I'm a little lost.

Other notable events is it makes 5psi of boost max and feels like you are driving an N/A. Hoping once all the leaks are resolved this improves immensely and I have highlighted the importance of prioritizing this.

Thanks.

 

[pauleyman]

Hey guys,

Helping out a new friend with his JDM Galant.

Completely stock, working on fixing all the boost/vacuum leaks etc etc. It was 1 tooth out of time so I retimed it with him, however unless the lower cover has changed at some point I cannot seem to set base timing. It shows 180 degrees out every time. I even rotated the CAS 180, didn't change anything. When you move it left and right my mark moves, but still on the opposite side of where I would expect.

I have tried plugs 1 through 4 for reference.

Do I need an adjustable timing light to go -180? I feel like I'm missing something obvious here. I have a 2gb 7 bolt so I'm a little lost.

Other notable events is it makes 5psi of boost max and feels like you are driving an N/A. Hoping once all the leaks are resolved this improves immensely and I have highlighted the importance of prioritizing this.

Thanks.

Did you rule out the harmonic balancer itself?

 

[CanadianTalonTC]

Did you rule out the harmonic balancer itself?

I have not but that definitely is a great idea and I'm a little annoyed I didn't think to do so. Do you care to spoon feed me the info on testing? I am also going to head to google right now.

Thanks.

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

Check the timing light is not set to 4 stroke vs 2 strokes if it has this feature as can be completely out if it does. I tested mine out recently and it did this when i checked 4 stroke (V8 types)

Just another thing to check

 

[pauleyman]

I have not but that definitely is a great idea and I'm a little annoyed I didn't think to do so. Do you care to spoon feed me the info on testing? I am also going to head to google right now.

Thanks.

Easiest way would probably be to use the screwdriver method to set #1 piston to TDC and then check the mark. It should at least be close to the cover mark.

 

[CanadianTalonTC]

Check the timing light is not set to 4 stroke vs 2 strokes if it has this feature as can be completely out if it does. I tested mine out recently and it did this when i checked 4 stroke (V8 types)

Just another thing to check

It was a very basic timing light with literally an off and on button, we may need something slightly closer to this century. I don't own one since I am 2gb so I'll try and track a better unit down.

Easiest way would probably be to use the screwdriver method to set #1 piston to TDC and then check the mark. It should at least be close to the cover mark.

Big "duh" moment. IIRC it did, but I will double check again.