Club 80-90 Forums

Hi there,

I gave my van an oil change today and decided to check the timming again. I did it about 6 months ago with no issues at all. But now, I cannot get the strobe to flash on the v notch ignition timing point. I've done the following;

Disconnected the two plugs from the idle stabilizing unit and joined them together
Disconnected the single connector
Disconnected the vacuum hoses from the distributor
Set idle speed to 850rpm
Connected gunson strobe to the ht lead going to spark plug number one (it's pointed the right way)
Pointed it at the crankcase and adjusted the strobe to try and find what it's current setting is. (the v notch is marked with tipex)
Can't see it, so tried adjusting distributer to see if i could find it that way, nothing

Am I missing something or going mad?

Faulty strobe?
So far out it won't even appear? (doesn't make sense considering I've adjusted everything)

Haven't touched the rotor arm, so can't be that

Any ideas?

Check you connected it to the right HT lead. No.1 is top right when looking at the engine from the tail-gate. If the engine is running smoothly the timing mark should be visible. If the timing is much more than 20' BTDC or 10' ATDC at idle the engine probably wouldn't idle, so the mark must be there if you're on the right lead.

I was on number 2....

I thought I was going mad. Going to try another go tomorrow.

Thanks! It helps having someone to double check!

I once spend 10 minutes trying to start my van with the rotor arm in my pocket

Ha- I know what that's like, have done exactly the same thing today- even took the dissy out.....then realised that I was on no 2 plug lead...

One question? Is it the V notch nearest the case that should be lined up with the crankcase split when under strobe light or the dimple on the front of the pulley? Thanks.

Just have a think about what you just asked..

If you have 2 marks, one is TDC and the other is the timing mark that is Before TDC and the engine turns clockwise....

Thank you quizmaster, I think it is the V notch then, but mainly cos it runs rougher if I align the dimple as opposed to the V! Should've become a mechanic (joking) with my skills of deduction....please put me out of misery.