Fiero is popping on startup and dies very quickly, I am wondering if I set up the timing incorrectly

Which point on the timing marks do I use for TDC.

The one marked with blue or red?

83 fiero 2.5

Off the top of my head, I don't remember where 0° is located on that scale.

Was the ALDL jumper in place when you used the timing light? And the timing is set to whatever it says on the sticker under the decklid?

Doesn't stay running long enough for timing light, I guess I could just unplug injector and use timing light while cranking

This may sound dumb but why do I need to jump the aldl connector (and how) I've never worked on a car with one before, normally I just spin distributor on the fly while running.

quote Originally posted by AfterThought: Doesn't stay running long enough for timing light

Just turn the distributor a bit one way and see if ease of starting improves. If not, try turning it a bit the other way.

quote Originally posted by AfterThought: This may sound dumb but why do I need to jump the aldl connector...?

Because I said so.

What does it tell you on the decklid sticker?

The jumper temporarily nullifies the electronic ignition advance. Use a wire or paper clip to connect the diagnostic and ground terminals. The ALDL port is behind the cigarette lighter panel.




Did you resolve your flooding issue?

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 04-25-2022).]

I tried spinning the distributor either way and it got better and then worse in spots, I just wanted to backtrack to make sure I set the default timing correctly.

Makes since about the aldl, I am used to old fashioned vacuum advance, a lot of this is newer to me.

I did fix my flooding issues, I had rebuilt the tbi and did not out the other ring on the injector, I felt like such a dumb dumb.

I'll check what my deck lid says, I am not home. I just wish I knew what mark is what on this bracket on the crank.

Not sure what else would cause this problem, not sure why it wouldn't want to stay running other than timing. It's the one part when putting this car back together that I was a little u sure about.

quote Originally posted by AfterThought: I did fix my flooding issues, I had rebuilt the tbi and did not out the other ring on the injector.

After asking for help, returning to the thread to report the outcome is always appreciated.

quote Originally posted by AfterThought: Not sure what else would cause this problem...

Lack of correct fuel pressure for one. (Needs to be 9-13 PSI.)

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 04-25-2022).]

Spray some brake cleaner down there and brush the tab clean.

Then the numbers should show up (this is a V6 tab)

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Thank you for the picture!

I did end up setting the timing wrong, I was off by a mile. I needed to be at 8 degrees btdc. After setting that up it finally stayed running

After checking with a timing light i was still very off. Since the distributor is in a hard location to reach and line up it can be difficult lining everything up, for anyone reading this ALWAYS check your timing with a light.

Has the distributor ever been removed?

quote Originally posted by AfterThought: Thank you for the picture! I did end up setting the timing wrong, I was off by a mile. I needed to be at 8 degrees btdc. After setting that up it finally stayed running After checking with a timing light i was still very off. Since the distributor is in a hard location to reach and line up it can be difficult lining everything up, for anyone reading this ALWAYS check your timing with a light.

quote Originally posted by AfterThought:

10 degrees should be in the middle of the tab, thats how it is for most cars I think, because that way you can know if you are at 8 degrees or 12 degrees depending on what you want. Could be completely wrong about that but I think 10 degrees would be the highest peak on the tab

[This message has been edited by Xenoblast (edited 04-29-2022).]