Is timing correct?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: va
Is timing correct?
I started this post again with just the basic problem. Sorry, I'm still lost.
My timing chain broke. I turned the cam and crank seperately clockwise about quarter turn to have both timing dots are alinged. If timing dots match can it still be out of timing???? Is it still at TDC?
I checked the rotor and it points to the middle of the windshield. Does the rotor have to point to cyl. #1 to be timed correctly?
The distribitor has not been touched or moved during this repair. Truck ran fine before the chain broke.
My timing chain broke. I turned the cam and crank seperately clockwise about quarter turn to have both timing dots are alinged. If timing dots match can it still be out of timing???? Is it still at TDC?
I checked the rotor and it points to the middle of the windshield. Does the rotor have to point to cyl. #1 to be timed correctly?
The distribitor has not been touched or moved during this repair. Truck ran fine before the chain broke.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: ohio
I had a real bad time getting my truck restarted after the chain slipped on my truck. the rotor has to be pointing to the #1 position on the dist cap so u sound close. try changin plugs or a good dose of either. took both to get mine going being it had so much raw fuel in the cylinders. I also turned the motor over without plugs to clear some gas too. As long as the dots match up u should be fine.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yes. As stated in the other post, you have to ensure the #1 piston is TDC and that both valves are on that cylinder are closed before you install the timing chain. Rotate both the crank and cam seperately with the timing chain off to do this. Once you have both pieces aligned correctly, install the timing chain with the dots or arrows on the timing gears pointing towards each other. Now, if the distributor is not pointing at #1 post, remove it, rotate it, and re-insert it so that it does. Hope this helps.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: va
If timing dots match can it still be out of timing?
Ok thanks! Can I first turn the cam a full turn clockwise, with out the chain?
"If the distributor is not pointing at #1 post". Does this mean the end of the rotor must point to the front left cylinder, or #1 piston.
Yes. As stated in the other post, you have to ensure the #1 piston is TDC and that both valves are on that cylinder are closed before you install the timing chain. Rotate both the crank and cam seperately with the timing chain off to do this. Once you have both pieces aligned correctly, install the timing chain with the dots or arrows on the timing gears pointing towards each other. Now, if the distributor is not pointing at #1 post, remove it, rotate it, and re-insert it so that it does. Hope this helps.
"If the distributor is not pointing at #1 post". Does this mean the end of the rotor must point to the front left cylinder, or #1 piston.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
It's probably best that you get the cam correctly positioned first actually before bringing the piston to TDC, and yes you can turn the cam as much as necessary. You'll want the valve cover off so you can verify the cam is not opening either valve.
It means the the distributor button must point to the #1 post on the distributor cap. You'll notice the cap can only go on 1 way.
It means the the distributor button must point to the #1 post on the distributor cap. You'll notice the cap can only go on 1 way.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: va
[quote=Conanski;6157337]It's probably best that you get the cam correctly positioned first actually before bringing the piston to TDC, and yes you can turn the cam as much as necessary. You'll want the valve cover off so you can verify the cam is not opening either valve.
"It means the the distributor button must point to the #1 post on the distributor cap. You'll notice the cap can only go on 1 way."
Where's the number one post?
In my Haynes manual it shows the distributor with a black dot on the one of the eight points, it's at the one at the 1:00 position, looking from the front of the truck.
My distributor button right now is pointing to the same post that in my manual. The timing marks are aligned.
"It means the the distributor button must point to the #1 post on the distributor cap. You'll notice the cap can only go on 1 way."
Where's the number one post?
In my Haynes manual it shows the distributor with a black dot on the one of the eight points, it's at the one at the 1:00 position, looking from the front of the truck.
My distributor button right now is pointing to the same post that in my manual. The timing marks are aligned.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: va
Yes. As stated in the other post, you have to ensure the #1 piston is TDC and that both valves are on that cylinder are closed before you install the timing chain. Rotate both the crank and cam seperately with the timing chain off to do this. Once you have both pieces aligned correctly, install the timing chain with the dots or arrows on the timing gears pointing towards each other. Now, if the distributor is not pointing at #1 post, remove it, rotate it, and re-insert it so that it does. Hope this helps.
Can it still be off TDC?
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
So you need to manually verify the piston is at TDC. With everything set as above, remove the spark plug from #1 cylinder and insert a length of coat hanger or other small semi rigid wire, the top of the piston should be right there. If it is and the wire begins to drop with the piston as you move the crank in either direction you know that the piston is at TDC where it should be, and the timing chain is installed correctly.
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If the dots are aligned, top of crank, bottom of cam, the engine is at TDC. The only way this would not be true is if the keyway on the crank either moved (I don't see that happening) or the crank gear for the chain has multiple keyways. Turning the cam 360° will do nothing but get you back in the same place it was. The distributor turns 1 to 1 with the camshaft, both of which turn 1/2 crank speed. TDC of the crankshaft is also the same every 360 degrees when de-coupled from the camshaft. When coupled together with the chain, it takes 720° of crank rotation to get everything back where it was.