2.8 and timing 🤬 (Page 1/1)
pontiacfierokid1985 MAY 06, 02:37 AM
Ok so just finishing up low miles 2.8 install and at the dreaded timing point. Now did the whole finger in no.1 hole passenger side of block. Brought it up to 0 apparently tdc put distributor in pointing at no.1. I then did the whole a and b thing at the ALDL port. Can hear Iac clicking making noise ses light flashing. I then try to start it and getting back fire 🤬 as I’m cranking where did I mess up. Now I know you are all gonna say it’s 180 out but how is that possible. Wouldn’t I not feel anything if I was on the exhaust stroke doing the finger in no.1 cyl hole. ???? Confusing as hell. I just want this damn thing running since I’m running out of time and need to be back to work on Monday
Patrick MAY 06, 03:22 AM
Have you double-checked that actual TDC for #1 is occurring when the wide groove on the harmonic balancer is aligned with 0° on the timing scale?

If the outer ring of the harmonic balancer has spun on its hub, timing readings will be way off.

More tips on 2.8 static timing Here.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 05-06-2020).]

fierosound MAY 06, 04:28 AM

quote
Originally posted by pontiacfierokid1985:

I then did the whole a and b thing at the ALDL port.



Don't do that until you get engine running and idling at normal temp and idle speed.

THEN turn off engine and jumper A&B at ALDL port, restart and set engine timing with timing light.

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[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 05-06-2020).]

pontiacfierokid1985 MAY 06, 11:40 AM
Then what can I be doing wrong. This makes no sense at all. It happens every time with me. I just want to be able to time a damn old school Chevy motor on my own and not have to call a old timer to come take 3 seconds out of his day. Like this pisses me off beyond belief you have no idea
Blacktree MAY 06, 12:45 PM
Like mentioned above, it's a good idea to time it by ear first. Get it to a point where it idles smooth, and doesn't bog or hesitate when you give it throttle. Then jumper the ALDL connections and fine-tune the timing. If you try to go straight to the ALDL jumper, you'll be pulling your hair out.
pontiacfierokid1985 MAY 06, 01:31 PM
Doesn’t even start I’m getting fuel and spark like wtf beyond pissed just did all this work drop cradle put lower miles motor in all back together nothing just cranks and back fires
fierosound MAY 06, 01:32 PM

quote
Originally posted by pontiacfierokid1985:

Then what can I be doing wrong. This makes no sense at all. It happens every time with me. I just want to be able to time a damn old school Chevy motor on my own and not have to call a old timer to come take 3 seconds out of his day. Like this pisses me off beyond belief you have no idea



What? You don't have a timing light?

Every car I've ever owned with a distributor needed a timing light to set the timing.
pontiacfierokid1985 MAY 06, 06:52 PM
Got it running but found out got some internal knock going on so probably a junk motor kid sold me 🤬
fierosound MAY 06, 08:53 PM

quote
Originally posted by pontiacfierokid1985:

Got it running but found out got some internal knock going on so probably a junk motor kid sold me 🤬



Don't panic yet. Get ones of these Mechanic's Stethoscopes and listen around.

[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 05-06-2020).]

Backtothe80s MAY 06, 10:21 PM
Ok, I just rebuild at 50k motor and learned the hard way and almost removed the engine again as I couldn’t get it to run and it sounded like a formula 1 car trying to start. 1st thing have you checked compression? Start with #1 If not check compression first. Reply with what the compression is on number one and if it’s below 120 I can guide you with a possible issue and solution.