Timing issues (1.8l 8v carby motor)

[Mk1DUB]

So, a spark plug came loose while driving the other day (previous owner was cleaning them and missed one when tightening them up) and the timing is out now.

I replaced the dizzy points and RACV came around and it definitely has spark and fuel. He said that it was a timing issue (it attempts to start and bogs down after a few rotations, or at least that's what it sounds like to my untrained ears).

Now I'm wondering if anyone can recommend someone in the kensington/footscray (melbourne) area that could either come to the car and help me with this (for cash of course), or a mechanic that would do it (obviously car would need towing, so in my area preferably).

I have a basic toolkit, no timing light or whatever, and minimal experience with anything further than basic service and maintenance. But I'm more than willing to learn and give it a crack if someone can point me to a thorough guide for my engine (have only found guides for EFI motors).

Cheers lads,
Seamus.

[GeorgeMK1]

Hey bud.

I'm no expert but it could be 180degree out. It just means the timing setup is on the opposite. By that I mean TDC and first piston firing.

I'm in sunshine north, so really close but I'm pretty useless haha.

[Mk1DUB]

Any help is appreciated honestly. I'm not really sure what needs to be done at this stage.

[Shteifen]

Maybe try this first, loosen that 13mm bolt that holds the distributor down and turn the distributor to the left or right a fraction then tighten the bolt again. See how it cranks then. If its no better turn it back a little bit the other way from where it started and see how that is.
Mine was out the other day, the bracket that holds the distributor down wasnt holding it tight enough (it was a little bent or something), so the dizzy had turned in its hole enough to mess the timing up and sound like it was locking up when cranking it.
If its better one way or the other, have it running and loosen that 13mm bolt again and turn the dizzy slightly either way till it runs best. Atleast at that point if should be drivable to get it somewhere. Saves you towing it
Just a thought

[Mk1DUB]

Thanks for the input Shteifen.

I'll try that tomorrow and see if it bears fruit. I'm more interested in learning how it all goes together, than getting the car running, though that's obviously a benefit. Failing that, hopefully someone can recommend a mechanic or a forum member that's able to help out.

Cheers lads.

[eltonking]

Having timed that car and set the points on it personally its fine (shouldn't be 180deg out, unless if you've taken off the timing belt) You shouldn't have let Matt touch it ahah, and dude - get that carb rejetted.

Timing the engine is a piece of piss, but that carb (straight out of the box) is tuned for a 2L engine.

Anyway, the timing belt is fine, rule that out. make sure when you're at TDC (camgear mark lining up with top of valve cover, flywheel mark lining up through gearbox inspection, number 1 cylinder (far left) at top (remove spark plug and throw a screw driver in there if you're unsure))

Turn the motor over by hand using a 19mm socket on the crank to get everything lined up

Take off the dizzy cap, when everything is lined up at TDC the rotor should point to a little mark on the dizzy, it should be slightly to the right (advanced). the rotor should also line up with an ignition lead that goes to the number 1 cylinder. firing order is 1,3,4,2.

when you get it running undo the 13mm bolt holding the base of the dizzy and advance/retard the timing to get the sweet spot if you feel so inclined

good luck buddy

[Mk1DUB]

Thanks heaps eltonking, good to get some input from someone that knows the car It was an honest mistake on Matt's behalf but he's done a cracking job at helping me work on it and I've learnt more in the last week than I ever did with any of my previous cars.

I'll give all of this a go and see where I get.

[Mk1DUB]

Having timed that car and set the points on it personally its fine (shouldn't be 180deg out, unless if you've taken off the timing belt) You shouldn't have let Matt touch it ahah, and dude - get that carb rejetted.

Timing the engine is a piece of piss, but that carb (straight out of the box) is tuned for a 2L engine.

Anyway, the timing belt is fine, rule that out. make sure when you're at TDC (camgear mark lining up with top of valve cover, flywheel mark lining up through gearbox inspection, number 1 cylinder (far left) at top (remove spark plug and throw a screw driver in there if you're unsure))

Turn the motor over by hand using a 19mm socket on the crank to get everything lined up

Take off the dizzy cap, when everything is lined up at TDC the rotor should point to a little mark on the dizzy, it should be slightly to the right (advanced). the rotor should also line up with an ignition lead that goes to the number 1 cylinder. firing order is 1,3,4,2.

when you get it running undo the 13mm bolt holding the base of the dizzy and advance/retard the timing to get the sweet spot if you feel so inclined

good luck buddy

IT'S ALIVE!!!!!

The dizzy had spun about 1 inch out of alignment. After idling at about 3k rpm for what felt like FOREVER, it's now running very smooth and idleing at about 1k.

In regards to the carby, what are the dangers of driving it until it's tuned? I don't intend on going anywhere other than the tuner, but that's a 30-45 minute drive and I'd rather not pay for a tow.

Thanks guys, you've been a huge help.

[Shteifen]

If it was jetted for a 2 liter to would run rich on that engine so....personally Id just drive it there. You might foul up the plugs and it could be a pain in the ass to drive but whats the worst that could happen, it stops running. Then you get it towed the rest of the way.
I had a carbie from a mk1 cortina on my 1.6 and it runs decent for like 3 or 4 days before the plugs foul up and it becomes a pain to drive, so thats not fitted until i can justify getting that jetted.
So yeah i'd just see how you go!

[sports racer]

Running a carby that's setup for a bigger engine isn't a problem, at worst you'll run rich and use more fuel than you should.

Take the car for a run tonight around your suburb. Make sure it's a long enough drive for the engine to get up to working temp.

Nothing leaking onto the ground? All OK? Good, you can take it to the tuner anytime you want.

Cheers

Paul