Weird Timing Situation

[bigbertha]

Hola Amigos-

Checked the timing on our 1989 Fj62 a couple days ago. When the timing light hit the flywheel, the bb was fluttering around the mark a bit and would not sit still. It floats above and below the mark at around 7-8 degrees (can't really tell exactly,) but is always in contact with the mark.

Is this fluctuating timing thing something I need to address immediately and if so, what do you think is the problemo?

Has anyone ever experienced this before and if so, what was the cause and the solution?

I did a search and one thread mentioned it possibly being a worn bushing in the dizzy but did not specify more than that. Which bushing and how hard is it to replace?

Is it better to get a new dizzy, rebuild this dizz, or is the problem something totally different?

The truck runs fine, but DOES have a slow start-up. She needs to be cranked for at least 2-3 seconds before she will fire up, sometimes up to 4-5 seconds.

With the timing being a little weird, the sluggish starting makes sense I guess. Plugs and wires are new, but cap and rotor are old.

Any thoughts??

 

[AZLC]

Sounds similar to what I experienced. Did you use a service wire to short terminals TE1 and E1 of the check connector? The check connector is on the passenger side up against the firewall. The FSM has a picture on page ig-11.

 

[dd113]

It is almost impossible to really see the BB unless you are Nolens size and have 3 arms.

Pop the cap on the dist and wiggle the shaft. A little play is OK (very little) and real "wobble" is an issue.

We dont use a light at all. Just advance it then drive it until it pings then back it off until the ping "just" goes away. Runs much better advanced.

If you want to throw a light on it triple check the jumper on the chek terminals. You should see a difference when you use your third arm to install the jumper while holding the light and looking at the BB. Real easy for jumper not to be in correct contact.

 

[bigbertha]

Thanks

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the info. I actually went ahead and advanced her a bit this morning and she is running even better now. just one more thing...and I've been wondering this for quite some time now.

What exactly is pinging and how do I know if I have it??

 

[Mr. Toad]

What exactly is pinging and how do I know if I have it??

It's premature detonation of your fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. It can damage your engine.

How do you know if you have it? Hmmmm. It sounds a little like shaking a spray paint can with a very light marble inside and not very much paint, and shaking it really fast. It does this primarily when you accelerate. If you hear pinging, you should always check your temp gauge too (even before you retard your timing) because pre-detonation can be a sign of overheating.

 

[bigbertha]

Pinging

Thanks Mr. Toad. I don't think I have ever actually heard pinging, but I imagine I will not be able to miss it if it happens.

Is pinging something that can easitly be heard in over the sound of exhaust and regular engine ticktacking? Will I be able to hear it with the windows up, or is it something I would hear from outside the engine?