1981 280zx non-turbo.

I would like to check/set my timing, but I can't seem to find a timing pointer or any timeing marks.

Can anyone tell me where the pointer is located, and where I should expect to find the timing marks?

Thanks!

Justin

 

Do you have a Haynes manual? If not... go buy one right now! No really... spend the $10-$15 and get one. Almost every problem on a 280zx can be solved in that book.

Now to your issue:
Timing mark on the crank pulley is a V notched into the farthest in edge... pretty simple to find. I marked mine w/ liquid white out so it's very visible. The degree mark plate is on the passenger side right by the alternator. See pic:

 

Thanks for the reply.

I have an electronic version of teh factory service manual, but no hanes yet. The autozone was out when I stopped by and checker only sells chiltons (i hate chiltons).

But I will be getting one soon.


I was looking for timing marks on the crank and a simple pointer on the block, which would explain why I missed this setup. Plus my engine is fairly grungy in that area

 

I had the most trouble finding the notch on the crank pulley. Everything else was easy. I'd say a good thing to do would be to mark the notch on the timing plate that you need to set it at, and then mark the notch 2 degrees ahead of it. Sometimes it's hard to get it lined up right at the mark you need, so you can just get the mark between the two notches.

For my Turbo I marked 20* BTDC and 24* BTDC just so that way I could easily get it to sit right about where I want it. Especially because when your engine isn't running right the mark tends to bounce more.

 

Deff. mark it with some sort of bright color such as white out. Hope you having a timing light!

 

Oh yeah the factory spec on my '82 n/a, is 8 degrees BTDC. Just in case you still needed to know. It should be the same with your '81. It is written on my hood, but you can also find it in your Haynes or FSM car manuals.

 

i found it hard to line up without one. flashlights just dont do the same thing

 

And that was even with turning it on and off really really fast.