Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Timing with a timing light

[JJW_ND]

I am looking for comments from those of you that use a timing light to set/check timing. I had mine set to 17 degrees almost 5 years ago. This was in conjuction with replacing the HG which added lower compression into the mix (milled . 008 replaced with . 020). Ever since, when temps are cool I have had hazing (still factory 215 injectors) and smoke that really burns your eyes. I have always written this off do to the lower compression. This winter cold starting (below -5F) is getting tough. Engine starts but idles very rough and you can not give it any throttle or it stumbles ("floods") and everything around you disappears in white smoke. When truck or ambient temps are 30 or above, starting running are like a champ... other then a little hazing.



While I would like to think I am at 17 degrees I am starting to think not. From what I know and read, the above symptoms are classic low timing. I am going to have the timing checked again. Did this a year ago and it was still dead on 17... using the same mark on the dampener used from the beginning. This time we are gong to verify (and verify again) TDC is dead on. My questions is when checking timing off the #1 injector line there is difference in the reading depending on where you get the signal. Do you get a more accurate reading when the signal is nearest the injector on the line or nearest to pump? Is checking/setting timing with this method as good as spill port or others?



I have a new overflow valve coming and plan on replacing the injectors very soon.



Thanks for any help... .



JJW

ND

 

[BPonci]

You must always have the inductive pickup clamp at the injector. I always set timing with a dial indicator and recheck it with a light if needed.

 

[JFaughn]

I plan on putting a drift pin in for dampner & crank to keep it exact .
I would suggest bringing your timing down to 15. 5 -16 , from what I've seen , 17 is a little high , for street & not enough mods , oh there you go , more mods .
Pop it test & spray pattern , injectors ???

 

[JJW_ND]

How accrurate...

So when you set timing with dial indicator is the check with a timing light real close... dead on? You say to have pickup clamp near the injector. If that is the case mine is closer to 19 degrees (if TDC is true TDC). Could explain the harder starting but wonder why I get all the stinky white smoke.



We did some experimenting a couple years back and found 2 + difference between the pickup clamp at the injector or at the pump. Near pump has the low reading, injector has the high reading. Mine is 19 at injector and 17 at pump... assuming I am starting from true TDC. This is also a question that we will veryify.



My engine does not seem to have the load pinging from high timing. Have been running this way for 5 years now.



While I would not worry about 17 I would rather not be at 19.



If we need to reset, I will shoot for a accurate 16 - 17. . staying a little on the high side to compensate for the slight lower compression from the thicker HG.



It is a little colder again and yesterday temps in the low teens with truck setting all day, I started (white smoke like always), let it get oil pressure and then did a couple quick revs to 2000 rpm. It does it very fast with no stumble.



Wonder what effect higher timing (19+) has on white smoke, engine idle and cold running when temps are cold (temps below zero) ? Engine/ambient temps really have an affect. Above 30, it runs like a champ (other then stinking exhaust), below zero, it really stumbles and belches white smoke that covers the parking lot. I always run straight #2 with standyne so fuel quality should be consistent summer and winter.



jjw

ND

 

[therabbittree]

that sounds about normal for a cold start... ? not sure how 2 degrees of timing is going to clear that up?. . unless you have a block heater plugged in thats how it will start. . it might take 15mins to warm up, a lil faster if rpm is at 1000rpm or so and if you have a exhaust brake etc. .

Thanks

Deo