Festy Timing

[SoCalZ28]

Newbie around here, I got a 1990 L Plus 5 spd a few weeks ago. The darn thing wont pass the cAlIfOrNiA smog, I put new wires, plugs, cap & rotor, air filter and changed the oil. I'm starting to look for a stage 2 thermo cause the thing wont warm up. but the smog guy said my timing was off...

how do i check the timing and if its off, how do you adjust the timing on these? all help is much appreciated!!

[SoCalZ28]

anyone?

[donna]

On my 89 there are instructions under the hood on a decal, or you can do a search in this forum, lots of info to read up on. I ran some sea foam in the gas tank for a few days and passed smog test with flying colors....

[WmWatt]

What part of the smog test did it fail, carbon or nitrogen?

[SoCalZ28]

Im just finishing a tank with seafoam in it, I put seafoam (ive used this stuff many times) in the motor oil and thru the brake booster vaccuum line. It failed the NOX test, passed everything else. Ive tried search, im not finding any posts on setting the timing, if they are out there, will someone please post a link?

[Dave G]

Invest in a Haynes manual - really handy.

[donna]

there are 2 marks on the timing cover, one is to locate TDC w/ the engine NOT running, and the other is to locate ignition timing WITH the engine running. there is a small finger on the timing cover that is forward of the crank centerline, this is what you use for ignition timing. also on the earlier crank pullies, there are 2 notches (one marked w/ white paint) both are most likely covered in crap from years of running.


check the timing@ idle w/ BOTH hoses plugged and the blue wire disconnected from distributer and engine at opp temp never adjust timing on a cold engine. or just etch mark on the block where the distributer is NOW and slightly turn 1/4 inch retard counterclockwise and see if it will then pass...

[SoCalZ28]

Invest in a Haynes manual - really handy.

Yeah, im starting to think its about time to get a Haynes

[donna]

i got my haynes at Auto Zone for one cent, they were getting ride of alot of non sellers, may want to go by or call them....

[peguinsexplode]

Man, im so glad the motor city doesnt have inspections...it'd be a HUGE insult to people here..haha.

[SoCalZ28]

lucky i have an EFI i guess, im going to kragen after work anyway, ill just pick one up

[SoCalZ28]

Ok, so the smog tech says it looks as though someone put the crank pulley on worng, as if it came off at 12 o'clock and was put on at 9 o'clock? does that make sense? The car passed everything else but the timing test because he couldnt verify the timing, its shows about 30-50* ATDC?

[smokin fastiva]

you say NOx is why you failed then maybe you should check the EGR valve

[SoCalZ28]

NOX is why i failed the first time, the second time it didnt pass the visual because he couldnt check the timing. The EGR looked good tho

[WmWatt]

Looks like the problem is when he shines the strobe light on the crank pulley the coloured mark isn't showing up. Hopefully he knows how to check the timing on the Festiva. I'd look at the crank pulley to make sure the mark is visible, maybe put a dab of paint on it. Then get hold of a timing light and try it yourself to see if it's visible. If not then the timing is 'way off but then the car would not start and run? What he's suggesting is to reinstall the timing belt on the crankshaft pulley, or maybe adjust the distributor? I'm over my head here.