I just read the article about timing at this link. I'm assuming that timing a standard is the same as an automatic.

http://www.picture-this-graphics.com/engine_timing.html

I'm also going to assume that I'm looking for a ball bearing pressed into the timing gear. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, what's the easiest way to get to TDC so you can see the bearing? Do I just keep cranking the engine a bit at a time until I get lucky?

Rob

Bump - anyone?

Yeah both my e21's had a ball not a pin. You need to run the engine at some RPM ( depending on distributor) and use the timing light to see the ball/ adjust.

Max

good info. thanks, i was just wondering about this because mine is pinging like crazy and I tried the high octane gas with no luck...

The best way to get the engine to TDC is rotate it by hand and line up the pointer on the front timing cover with the notch in the crank pulley. If you have trouble rotating the engine just remove the spark plugs.

ken

So today was the day - Just when you thought you timing wasn't that far out :rolleyes

I can't get over how much smoother my engine is running with the timing corrected. I do have a question though:

I had my buddy hit the key with the coil wire disconnected until we were at TDC w/ the number one cylinder. I could see some sort of "white something" on the crank wheel that was about an inch long. I hooked the coil back up, started the car and we held it on 2000 rpm. I could rotate the dizzy about an inch before the "white something" was not visible. In the end I timed the engine in the middle of the "white something" adjusted the idle and we went for a drive.

The engine was much smoother and the p/u was better - no hesitation :); under light load I can hear some sort light popping or something that was not there pre-timing adjustment. This "white something" - am I supposed to set the timing in the middle or maybe at the end of it - does anybody know what the hell I'm talking about??? :rolleyes I had been looking for a bearing or pin and that's not what I saw - it is hard to see in the hole even with a flashlight. Is it possible I'm slightly too far advanced or maybe not enough. I must be close.

Am I missing something here?

Thanks,
Rob

Bump - anyone got anything on this?

Someone just painted that on there. You still need to find the proper mark.

Someone just painted that on there. You still need to find the proper mark.

So I should be abe to put my finger in there and feel the ball bearing?

Hold your finger in the hole while your assistant cranks the engine...No, don't do that. :-) get one of those super bright mini flashlights and you should have no trouble seeing it.

Just for all those guys with level driveways, ive found another good way to rotate to TDC easily, is just to put it in 5th and roll it, until you read TDC, its really not hard at all.

I got home tonight and went right to adjusting the timing on mine. It was pinging pretty good and the idle once warmed up was almost at 1500 rpms.....Anyways, got mine adjusted, lost the ping and idles smoother...accerates smoother....now i just need some new plugs and she'll be good for another 10k miles.....

UPDATE:

So some more investigation into this mysterious "timing bearing" that I couldn't find as a timing mark. Layne, you'll be relieved to know that I didn't put my finger in the hole while my trusty assistant cranked the engine...... :D

Upon extreme close inspection with a great light - I STILL COULD NOT see this stupid bearing. :rolleyes What I did end up doing was driving the car down the highway w/ my timing (although much better than it was) still advanced too far as per the pinging while accelerating. I stopped twice and retarded the timing (count clockwise turn) each time. The second time my pinging disappeared and my power is very very good. :D My engine is purring like a kitten, I have never seen more p/u from this stock engine. Now that the timing is on I'm going to get my timing gun and trusty assistant and find out what I'm looking at in the timing hole and mark with a white dot or something - who knows, maybe I'll find the elusive bearing I can't find - I just want to be the same as the other kids :lol

Thanks for everyones help.
Rob