S13 SR20 Timing Issue w/ pics

[Tyler_240]

FIXED

I know, another timing thread...I've read, and read some more, and there are some very good threads out there, but i'm still confused as to what's up with my timing. I really appreciate any advice.

I picked this motor up from a 2nd or 3rd owner who knows nothing about its history. Clearly, someone replaced the HG and installed new head studs in it, maybe even a full rebuild.

Car idles at 850, but lopes a bit, like its got cams, and I can get it into timing mode, but the CAS is all the way advanced at 15* BTDC using the #1 Cylinder Spark Wire. It runs like poo poo, like the timing is retarded a bit, makes boost but has no getty up. I've tried restabbing the CAS, but no change.

Based on everything I've read, the links are lined up correctly and the #1 Cylinder is at TDC with both lobes facing out. The #1 Intake Lobe is facing outward and slightly up and the #1 exhaust lobe is facing outward but slightly down??

I'm no expert, but is the exhaust cam off a tooth? From everything I've read, it seems the dowel should be at 12o'clock?

[S-Nation S13]

in for help as well, mine runs like shit but i figured it out to be an injector problem.

[Tyler_240]

66 views...come on guys, help me get another 240 back on the road

After doing even more research, I believe both Intake and Exhaust Cams are 1 link off....it would be great if someone could confirm...

I'm going to verify that the Crank Pulley when set to the 2nd Mark from the Left is truly TDC and attempt to adjust each cam counter-clockwise a tooth. This should keep the same number of rollers (20) and links (11) between both cams...it would seem both lobes would be equally pointed < > and my CAS would then be sitting in the middle and not off towards the firewall...

It seems that others have been successful in zip tying the chain to one cam sprocket, removing the tensioner and guide, and unbolt the cam caps...dip the front of the cam towards the front cover and that should allow me to rotate the cam counter-clockwise a tooth....bolt cam back down and then repeat for the other side....I plan to rotate the engine by hand afterwards very carefully to verify...

Anyone got any further advice or guidance?

[Tyler_240]

Just wanted to confirm that the procedure i posted above seemed to correct the issue.

[Kingtal0n]

position the two first lobes for cylinder number one away from each other, nearly perfectly 180* apart facing outwards away from the engine.

Then install the chain with the correct number of links between the dots on the camshaft gears. Then you can stab the CAS and verify the dots line up and that the CAS is mostly center. If the CAS is off-center slightly this is normal. But it should NOT be fully adjusted one way or the other.

be aware when timing the engine that most timing pickups are directional. Make sure you turn the pickup backwards and try both ways. The "pickup" is the plastic connector for the wire on the coilpack. There is usually an arrow, but do not use the arrow, simply reverse it (try it both ways) one way will give you a 15* BTDC setting with the CAS NEARLY centered, the other way will be the wrong way and the CAS will be wayy away from center. Time the engine with the TPS disconnected so the timing does not jump around.

[cotbu]

It looks like tensioner and cas weren't installed in the correct order. The slack was then taken back up after a few degrees. Glad you got it sorted![emoji41]

[Tyler_240]

Thanks guys. Its unbelievable how f'd up this motor was when i pulled it from the other car.

No Carrier Bearing Bracket on parts car, Rear Main Seal Retainer plate was cracked + bad seal, Oil Pickup Tube had no Gasket, MAF Sensor was jacked, MAF Intake tube was like 2" from turbo, speedo wired up wrong, O2 Sensor was nowhere to be found, Dipstick Missing but located tube in car, and of course the timing chain being off a link.

I'm just thankful to get it worked out. Picking up a MegasquirtPNP at the end of the month and shooting for 18psi. Will be my first trip down 300hp+ lane and I'm stoked.

[240knockout]

what did you pay for engine?

Originally Posted by Tyler_240

Thanks guys. Its unbelievable how f'd up this motor was when i pulled it from the other car.

No Carrier Bearing Bracket on parts car, Rear Main Seal Retainer plate was cracked + bad seal, Oil Pickup Tube had no Gasket, MAF Sensor was jacked, MAF Intake tube was like 2" from turbo, speedo wired up wrong, O2 Sensor was nowhere to be found, Dipstick Missing but located tube in car, and of course the timing chain being off a link.

I'm just thankful to get it worked out. Picking up a MegasquirtPNP at the end of the month and shooting for 18psi. Will be my first trip down 300hp+ lane and I'm stoked.

[Tyler_240]

i got the car for $1900, 5spd hatchback, redtop engine w/ tranny, gutted interior, missing all of interior panels and a badly damaged shell, missing 1 quarter window but of all things, it had a mint black dashboard.

it had what appeared to be a brand new GT2860RS .86, Greddy FMIC, Fake Greddy Intake, Unknown brand coilovers and a few suspension arms, on stock steelies with bald tires...

shell had a title, but it had issues...i swapped everything over to an auto s13

it was risky because no one knew if the motor had popped or not...it likely would have if i didnt find that oil strainer gasket was missing and replaced it