I have a pretty basic knowledge of working on my z and one thing i still have not learned to do is to time it...
I was wondering if anyone could direct me to a site or info on instructing me how to time my car.
I am pretty sure my car's timing is way off because it backfires and diesels which are both signs of bad timing and i know all 6 spark plugs are firing... because i checked them... I did recently change the cap and rotor but this did little to help the dieseling and backfire... wondering if any suggestions or help articles anyone know about...thank you very much

71 240z in restoration

 

Easiest way...

#1 Loosen the 10mm bolt at the base of the distrib, just enough to move the dist left & right.

#2 Mark the timing "V" on the crank pulley w/ some liquid paper white-out.

#3 Hook up timing gun & aim at the crank pulley till you see the white V lighting up.

#4 Move the distrib until the timing V hits about 10 degrees. Tighten the distrib bolt & rev engine.

#5 repeat until she runs like a champ.

 

Not to sound like a *****, but you should REALLY get a service manual. Even if it's just a Haynes. If you've got a restoration project on your hands then the reference info in them alone is worth the purchase price. Whether you know your way around the Z or not, there's bound to be some spec at some point you're going to need that you're not going to know.

And welcome to ZDriver

 

Timing is affected by the dwell setting on your points too. You definitely need at least one book. Example-looking at the distributor, your #1 plug wire and rotor should be positioned at about 11 o'clock. The backfiring is caused by raw fuel in the in the tailpipe which could be a sign of other problems like crossed wires or carb problems. If your distributor shaft wobbles or your vacuum advance doesn't work then your wasting your time. Get a book so you can start at square one.

 

thank you guys for the help but i cant seem to find the marks on the crank pully....im going to get some strong cleaner and try and see if i cant yet still see them... I have 2 chiltons, a haynes and some other random z help book but they dont always present the information in a way i understand... Is there a way to test or see if the vaccuum advance is working properly? And one more thing, htis may sound stupid but theramz when you say 11 o'clock what is that in relation to...what point can i consider the 12 o clock position. thank you guys for your help

 

http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techti...ing/index.html

 

thank you blue it makes it easier to diagnose problems when you have a better understanding of how things work