Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hows this sound?

[TWafer]

I’m finally getting around to doing my timing and valve adjustments since its raining/snowing. I started last night. I got the snap on kit and barring tool. At first I tried to use the timing pin but I think it must have been broken at some earlier time. I can move it in and out about 3/16” at any location. Should it move more than that when it’s lined up or do you think some previous mechanic broke it when setting my valves? I finally used the dropped valve method of finding TDC. Apparently it’s supposed to be the preferred method anyway. The timing was set at 12. 5, which is exactly stock according to the plate so I feel I’m on track. I checked all my measurements 3 or 4 times just to be sure. I reset it at 15. 75 retorqued, rechecked and stopped for the night at that point. Does this sound like a good setting given what I’ve done so far? If not it’s the time to change it before I reassemble. Opinions welcome!

Tim

 

[Joe G.]

I've been running my timing about there for quite a while now. MPG is good. Good power. EGT is ok. Much more advance and you could get into head gasket problems.

 

[TWafer]

Well, I decided to be a little more conservative and backed it off to an even 15 degrees before I buttoned everything back up. I adjusted all the valves while I was going.

I just took it on a short test run. The first thing I noticed is it doesn’t seem to have as much torque as it had before, at least on the low end. It was raining and getting dark so I couldn’t really judge the smoke. EGT seemed to be lower but it wasn’t much of a test so tomorrow I will test further. I can still slip the clutch in the higher gears without much trouble. I guess that will have to be my next upgrade. Hopefully I can get by with the stock one for a while till I can save up for one. Ill just have to control myself! :-laf

Tim