Cam timing? HELP!

[richsvo]

The way I understand it, the cam rotates 1/2 as fast as crank pulley...(I think) So, if this is correct when the crank pulley is at TDC, and the distributor rotor is pointing at #1, then where should the cam be? And how do you know if you are right the first time? I know mine is off now, with everything being correct, so do I rotate it again and readjust, or what?
Thanks, in advance for your replies,
Rich

[Pat_in_L.A.]

If you're on the TDC mark the distributor should be either pointing to #1 or 180 degrees off. The proof is behind the rubber plug on the front of the timing cover. The back side of the timing cover has a mark that lines up with the mark on the cam sprocket. If you're 180* off, just reinstall the distributor. When on TDC, both valves on #1 should be closed.

[richsvo]

Pat,
Thanks for the reply. So, if I understand correctly...
The crank is at TDC, the rotor is pointing to #1, then the cam pointer should then be at the mark, and this is the only time all three will line up...is this correct?
Thanks,
Rich

[Pat_in_L.A.]

It should line up that way every 2 complete revolutions of the crank when the crank lines up to TDC. If you're 180* off you may experience some backfiring when cranking. Just line up the timing mark on the crank to zero. If there's no cam mark lining up, spin the crank around one time. See if the cam mark lines up there. If you can't find it after that, pull off the front cover, pull the belt and line the cam pointer up again. Then go for the distributor and make it line up to #1.

[richsvo]

Yep, got it. Thanks for the help!
Rich

[richsvo]

WTF?

Okay, so it runs...but there seems to be a little "bogging" down if the motor is revved a little. It did not do this before. I am a little "boggled" myself here. When rotating the crank shaft on the first revolution, the crank at TDC, the cam pointer aligned, and rotor points at plug #1. On the second revolution, the crank at TDC, the pointer on the cam does not align and the rotor about 180* out. Does it matter which "revolution" on the crank? I am getting a little preturbed and frustrated here....HELP!
Thanks,
Rich

[KevinK]

If you got it running, you are real close. You may need to rotate the distributor to get the timing correct. You may have to rotate the distributor shaft to get enough movement. You could be off a tooth. With it running, check the timing (10-13 BTDC). Advancing it will increase the idle.

[richsvo]

I reset the timing already to 12*BTDC which is what it was before. Seems to run better now, but maybe the puter just needs to adjust itself. I'm going to drive it home and see how she does. Thanks for the responses,
Rich

[richsvo]

So I got it home okay, but something is still not right. It acts like there is a hose off or something (severe bucking during boost). I'm looking to see if the intercooler etc. are seated correctly. I can't figure this out. Idles really nice and smooth, drives fine otherwise, but punch it....and bucks like a mother!
Going to keep looking; any other advise would be appreciated,
Rich

[KevinK]

You did check the timining with the spout removed, right? Then you plugged the spout back in, right? I just figured I would double check.

Put the timing light on each spark plug wire and make sure each one fires correctly (give it a little rev and watch the light).

Reset the computer by disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes.

[richsvo]

it must have been a hose leak...re-did all of them and now all's good. Thanks again,
Rich