Write up and pictures for setting timing on 89 YJ I6

Cards89YJ · 01-07-2010, 10:34 AM

My engine is out of timing. I have seen the text write ups for setting the timing.

It says to warm it up and then loosen the hold down bolt and then turn the distributor.

I need more details and some pictures.

Which is the hold down bolt? Do I take off the distributor cap? Which way to I rotate the distributor? What part to I actually turn to rotate the distributor?

HUNTER_DENTON07 · 01-07-2010, 10:48 AM

the hold down bolt is on the block were the distributor goes in the block. do not take the cap off.do not turn the cap use the base were the cap screws to. just turn forward or backward till the engine smooths out.

**jbolty** · 01-07-2010, 10:55 AM

The procedure is the same for just about every engine.

idle at about 700 (should teel you on the underhood sticker)
unhook and block vacuum hose to distributor
loosen distro and turn to adjust (it's a two person job)

also, on yours you may need to unhook one of the wires from the vacuum solinoid. I forget the details but you need to get your hands on a haynes or chilton to get the straight dope.

Cards89YJ · 01-07-2010, 11:00 AM

So I do this with the engine running? How will I know when it is in timing?

**jbolty** · 01-07-2010, 11:04 AM

You need a timing light and probably someone to help that has done this before. No offense but if you have no idea what the concept is and at least a basic idea of what to do you are asking for a long day.

If I tell you to clean off the timing marks on the balancer it probably won't mean much to you without a frame of refference.

Go get a service manual.

mrmud4x4 · 01-07-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cards89YJ

My engine is out of timing. I have seen the text write ups for setting the timing.

It says to warm it up and then loosen the hold down bolt and then turn the distributor.

I need more details and some pictures.

Which is the hold down bolt? Do I take off the distributor cap? Which way to I rotate the distributor? What part to I actually turn to rotate the distributor?

If you have not done this before.....I would get with someone who has. It is VERY simple....but you can get zapped by the coil wire, and then you have to watch the fan blade with the timing light also. But it is very simple. There is a write up with pics somewhere in this forum. Search forum?

Ask Mean Max.....I think he was born in a YJ....lol

Cards89YJ · 01-07-2010, 01:52 PM

Timing on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

This is a hand-drawn representation of where my timing mark is when the engine is off. I tried to get a picture of the engine itself and it was just too dark.

With the timing being this far off, what would be the side effects: when cranking? when idling? when driving?

fireshadow · 01-07-2010, 01:53 PM

You can also set your timing with a vacuum gauge. Loosen the hold down nut on the bottom back of the disturber.(It's a 13mm) Just hook the vacuum gauge up to a manfold vacuum source like the brass t that runs off the bottom of the carb. Then turn your disturber until you get the highest reading off the gauge. Tighten down your hold down nut. Make sure your idle speed is around 700 rpm. Then test drive. And consume

.

**jbolty** · 01-07-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cards89YJ

Timing on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

This is a hand-drawn representation of where my timing mark is when the engine is off. I tried to get a picture of the engine itself and it was just too dark.

With the timing being this far off, what would be the side effects: when cranking? when idling? when driving?

You mean you shut it off and it just happened to stop there? If so, that means nothing. The timing is referenced from the cranshaft position when the #1 spark plug fires.

GatorsUF · 01-07-2010, 03:08 PM

I tried to adjust the timing on my Jeep and the distributor cap does not turn... I was told the timing is adjusted by the computer. But there are timing marks so that would indicate that you can adjust it yourself somehow.

**jbolty** · 01-07-2010, 03:23 PM

timing on the 4 cyl is not manually adjustable.

HUNTER_DENTON07 · 01-07-2010, 03:54 PM

if it has a distributor then it needs to be timed. newer engine like the gen 3 vortecs are timed by comp. and do not have a distributor. even diesel engine most diesel engine need to be timed some way

Soldierfoley · 08-24-2010, 02:41 PM

Can anyone tell me what the scs sensor looks like. The book says to unhook it and the vacume hose but I am not sure I am getting the right plug. There is a little plug above the valve cover that has 2 wires and a disc about the size of a quarter. Is that the one I unhook? For the love of god I want this thing to stop sounding like a cummins diesel going up hills. Please help out a noob.