The ignition timing of the car refers to the ignition and the process by which the spark plug ignites, creating a spark in the combustion chamber of the car. The timing must be well adjusted for better car performance as it affects the speed and efficiency with which the engine starts. You can adjust it with a sensor and a set of keys, tools found in every auto parts store.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding the ignition timing
Step 1. Learn if your car needs to be adjusted or not
Modern cars that have electronic fuel injection do not need to adjust the ignition timing, but older 4-stroke engines do need the timing to be adjusted periodically to optimize engine efficiency, to make sure the spark plug ignites at the right time. of the injection cycle.
If you hear signs that the timing is not in place, such as a rattle or crackle, or if too much fuel or air enters the combustion chamber, you will need to take the car to a mechanic or adjust the timing yourself
Step 2. Learn to understand the injection cycle
The 4 “strokes” of an engine refer to intake, compression, expansion and exhaust. The injection timing refers to the point between compression and expansion where the spark plug ignites, creating the combustion that results in the engine power and forces the piston into the cylinder.
During compression, just before the piston reaches “top dead center” the spark plug should ignite. Over time this tends to misalign with the result of a non-optimal spark plug ignition time. The distance before the top dead center is the injection timing, represented by a row of numbers on the balancer
Step 3. Learn the number of the injection timing
Find the row of numbers on the front of the motor harmonic balancer - it should have numbers above and below zero. Typically the machine leaves the factory with the number set to zero and the first cylinder at top dead center. The timing advances with increasing engine speed, however this results in a variable that needs to be adjusted periodically using a sensor.
The numbers to the left of zero refer to when the piston goes down, while those to the right refer to when the piston goes up. Turning the wheel to the right means to "advance" the timing ", while turning it to the left" delays "the timing
Part 2 of 3: Check the Timing
Step 1. Snap on the phase sensor
Hook the strobe gun to the power and ground terminals of the car battery and hook the sensor to the spark plug cable of the first cylinder. Follow the instructions of the strobe gun to attach correctly.
The gun works by illuminating the timing marks so you can see where the spark plug ignites. When the candle lights up, the sensor sends a pulse to the gun which lights up the numbers at the right time
Step 2. Get someone to help you keep the engine revving
To check the valve timing and see how it works, have someone help you keep the engine revved while you light up the numbers. Obviously make sure the car is stationary and keep your hands at a safe distance from the engine while it revs.
Step 3. Point the light directly on the harmonic balancer and find the number
Even if the wheel turns you will see the light "hang" on a number. That's the timing number. Note which degrees to the right or left of zero.
- As the engine revs increase, the point at which the spark plug lights up should also increase somewhat. This is normal, because the injection works on a curve and as the speed increases, the timing is adjusted accordingly.
- To check the total timing, make sure the engine reaches 3500 rpm. In this way you can make sure that the injection timing curve is set as well as the initial timing.
Step 4. If necessary, count the vacuum times
If your machine has an advance in idle timing, in addition to the mechanical one you will need to adjust the distributor adjustment bolt before starting the engine. Then remove the hose from the carburetor and close it with a rag to check the timing.
No-load timing is done by making small adjustments to the idle speed of the engine, turning slightly
Step 5. Adjust the timing if necessary
Now that you've found the timing number, how do you go about adjusting it? All car models have different values depending on the year of manufacture and the type of transmission used. To find out whether or not you need to adjust the timing, find the right number for the model and make of your car and adjust it if necessary.
If you don't know the number, ask a specialized mechanic or auto parts shop where they can consult the manuals and find the right number
Part 3 of 3: Adjust the Timing
Step 1. Loosen the bolt securing the motor distributor enough to rotate the distributor
To adjust the timing, all you have to do is turn the distributor housing to one side or the other depending on whether you want to delay timing or not.
If the rotor turns clockwise you will advance the timing by turning the distributor counterclockwise and vice versa. It will take some practice to get it right, so it's good to have a couple of helpers who can keep the engine revved up, check the number and turn the distributor
Step 2. Adjust as the engine revs
Firmly grasp the dispenser and slowly turn it one way or the other. Keep turning until the timing mark is correct. Align the timing marks by continuing to move the distributor and checking with the sensor. As soon as you have it set where you want it, lock it by tightening the distributor bolts.
Step 3. If in doubt, set it between 34 and 36 degrees
A typical curve needs to be set in this range for optimum performance when the engine is brought up to 3500 rpm. At this point the timing should stop advancing and remain stable.
To do the job well, it is best to set it at this point in the engine cycle and then check again at idle to find the right number of initial timing
Step 4. Tighten the distributor bolt when you are satisfied
Advice
- It is always a good idea to clean car parts when you remove them and check for signs of wear before reinstalling them.
- Clean the timing index on the harmonic balancer and mark the top dead center with a yellow or white marker to be able to see it better.
- Remember that you are working under the hood of the car with the engine off and running. Make sure you take the necessary safety measures such as wearing closed shoes and gloves, and don't wear clothing that can get caught.
Warnings
- The distributor works at high voltage. A damaged distributor or worn spark plug wires can cause painful shocks when handled with the engine running.
- Make sure the engine is cold before starting any work that involves removing any parts that may be hot.
