Rookie 4.0 Distributor Timing Mistake

NickMaul

NickMaul

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2009
Location
Norfolk, VA
Hello NC4x4,

I was doing a quick rotor, cap, wires, and plug tune up before a Harlan trip in my 92 4.0 and I believe I nudged the orientation on the distributor when I put the new rotor on. Now it runs a bit off. Noticeable when I am sitting in the drivers seat.

I have a very detailed instruction on how to reset the entire distributor and rotor orientation when the motor is top dead center. Do you guys think I can turn the rotor a couple degrees in other directions to get it to run right again? I know it didn't turn far.

What says ye? Try a little bit of trial and error or take set TDC and reset it all again?

TIA

Nick :)
 
If you haven't pulled the distributor (where you might get it off a tooth), then I'd just crank it up. Turn it a bit one way or the other -- NOT MUCH -- and see if it gets better or worse.

If you don't have a timing light, you can set timing with a vacuum gauge. That'll get you close...but you really need a light.

First though, be sure all your wires are seated, and re-check plug gap.
 
I Timing lights are cheap, go get one and set it right. You should be able to get it close by pointing the rotor at #1 when #1 is tdc but a light will let you fine tune it.
 
Find TDC by holding your finger over #1 and feeling for compression. If you can see your timing mark on the crank, watch the piston. Remove the cap and can sensor from the dizzy and use a punch to align and hold position. Ther is a hole in the dizzy that will align with 2 of 4 holes in the cam counter thingy (technical term). Align so that the punch is in the top hole and the remaining holes are below. You'll see it when you see it!

Now use a straight screwdriver to position the oil pump gear at the 11 o'clock position. Drop the dizzy straight down with the base lock positioned at the 1 o'clock position. Rotate the dizzy clockwise and it will fall perfectly into place.

You'll see it when you see it. Piece of cake!
 
Jason W. said:
It's ruined, sell the xj to me for 50 bucks.
Click to expand...

Sold. This was just a feeler thread anyways haha.

Looks like I might as well take the dizzy out and reset everything. I am a little weary pulling it out. The 4.0 has over 200k on her and I don't think the fizzy has ever been out. Hopefully it doesn't fall apart. Thanks again fellas.


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GotWood said:
If the dizzy had never been out, it is not out of time!
Click to expand...

Okay the dizzy has never been out. When I took off the rotor I twisted a tad bit as I pulled it off. Therefore the metal post it sits on was twisted.

If I am understanding this right, theoretically turning that post a little will not mess up timing?


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NickMaul said:
Okay the dizzy has never been out. When I took off the rotor I twisted a tad bit as I pulled it off. Therefore the metal post it sits on was twisted.

If I am understanding this right, theoretically turning that post a little will not mess up timing?


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Click to expand...

Correct. You can't change the timing by doing what you did.
If it is running differently post-tune up, check the plug gap (0.035" Champion RC12LYC)and firing order (153624)
 
Damn. I have auto lite plugs. I am just going to take everything out and reinstall to double check.

While installing I remember not having a warm and fuzzy feeling while popping the wires on the spark plugs.

I will get on this after work and see if I can fix my Homer Simpson moment.


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Champion plugs are the way to go BTW, I ran all types of plugs in my first ZJ, and none of them worked as well as the copper champions. Using copper champions in the V10 as well.
 
Well after complete removal of rotor cap plugs and wires I found that one plug was basically had no gap. Two wires had the plug contactors so far up inside the rubber boot it was physically impossible to connect to the plugs.

That's what I get for rushing through it and getting dark out. I also just for practice and knowledge of the dizzy I took the cap off and cylinder 1 spark plug out and confirmed the rotor was pointing in the correct 4 o'clock orientation or whatever it was.

Thanks again NC4x4! Kept my sanity and didn't have to tear into the distributor :)


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