Hi all,
Recently I replaced my distributor as it had cracked and the timing was way out!
How do I make sure the static timing is set properly before setting the ignition timing?
Cheers, Michael.
Static timing is set primarily using the crank and cam pulleys. On the outside most lip of the crank pulley there is a vertical slot. This is the #1 cylinder tdc mark. This should be lined up with the '0' line on the lower timing belt cover. Now to make sure you're at tdc on the compression stroke you need to line up the timing marks on the cam pulleys. Each pulley has spokes and on one of these spokes there is a small dimple. The dimple needs to line up with a vertical indent on the cam pulley backing plate. If all these marks line up at the same time your static timing is set correctly (assuming the cam pulleys haven't been rotated!)
If you think the cam pulleys may have been rotated, you need to remove the valve cover and check the alignment of the cam. To do this the cams have a match mark at the pulley end which lines up with a corresponding mark in the bearing cap on the head. Pics of all marks attached:
Crank match mark
Cam pulley match mark
Cam match mark