timing jumping around takes a while to start

[1990talontsi]

so i finally got my car running so i checked the timing with a timing light and it keeps moving around i dont know what it is so i thought i would ask.
also it takes a while for my car to "catch" and start
probably like five seconds of cranking until it starts
this stuff worries me and i would like to get it fixed any and all help is very very appreciated thanks guys

 

[Colt4G63 also]

You had your timing check connector grounded right. If so, it should stay at 5 btdc. If it doesn't, make sure your harmonic balancer isn't falling apart, then chek your timing belt, and your CAS for looseness or falling apartness.

If you check timing without grounding the connector, your ECU might just be adjusting your timing back and forth. That will happen, especially if you have any kind of idle surge.

 

[nlzn]

I should point out that if your Harmonic Dampner on the crank pulley is seperating this could be a result as well. If possible white out your Cam notches and hit them with a light. (this isnt 100% accurate because you have to eyeball it but you can get a pretty good idea with a static light) and it will rule out the crank pulley issue.

If your timing light is adjustable just set it advanced 5degrees and the cam marks should line up @ 3oclock/9oclock. If you have a non adjustable light the exhaust cam is going to be slightly clocked. See this thread for the video reference: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/art...-timing-without-using-lower-timing-cover.html

 

[1990talontsi]

i didnt ground the timing thing
how exactly do i do it what do i stick in the connector
and would that cause it to move around?

 

[Colt4G63 also]

Here are some links on how to set timing, you have to ground the connector, or there's no point of looking at the timing. The ECU constantly adjusts timing, based on engine load, RPM, throttle position, etc, etc... Any of those things would make it move around. Try checking it with the connector grounded, ONLY THEN, should it stay at a fixed value.
Engine Timing

Base Timing Adjustment