Base Timing (Way Off)

[redeclipse7782]

6bolt 2.3 97 gsx w/dsmlink2.5
I attempt to set the timing (ground it through dsmlink, hook the timing light to the battery and the #1 plug) I go to check timing and I don't even see the mark on the pulley... I move the cas until I can see the mark and set it to 5btdc, this then raises my idle to 1500, so I can't set the base timing to 5 at 750 because at 5btdc the idle is 1500!!
Timing is dead on (dowel pins up cam marks aligned crank sprocket aligned >)
CAS is set to TDC
Had a 2g Harmonic dampner, switching to a 1g
Still can't figure why my base timing would be off so much
Could a bad harmonic dampner throw off the base timing?
Also at idle without the timing grounded the notch on the harmonic dampner doesn't move that much it prob moves 1/4 inch or so back and forth.
What else could cause my base timing to be off and my rpms to shoot up when trying to set the base timing?

 

[Kevin Jewer]

I know I posted this on the local forums, but for the sake of getting it into the archives here, it doesn't matter what RPM you set the base timing at. The ECU holds it to 5 degrees when you ground it regardless of engine speed. So once the base timing is set properly, the ECU will have to relearn the ISC position to get it to idle with 5 degrees base timing. I recomend resetting the ECU to reset the long term ISC learned position, and retune the BISS for a LearnedIdle of 144. Then both problems should be resolved.