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engine timing
Is there any way to manually check the engine timing on a 1997 Saturn 1.9 DOHC?
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Want to answer more questions in the Technology category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Cars?
i can tell you how to do it on a buick as that's what i've done it on, but let's just hope that since they're both GM cars it'll work the same.
have a look in your distributor, make sure your mechanical weights are not worn out. Do they still "fit" on thier mounting posts or are the holes worn out? Do they return nicely to their retard position? Do the springs appear in good condition?
Give the shaft a little wiggle. If you feel more than a hair of side play, it probably needs new bushings.
disconnect vacuum advance and plug the carburetor end.
set your initial timing. Usually about 5 - 8 degrees BTC.
check that your mechanical advance is working. Do this with a timing light. You have set your initial timing at say 6 degrees, rev the engine slowly and observe the timing. As the revs climb the timing should advance. Do this several times, and observe that the timing retards to the same spot each time, also, that the advance appears to be consistent each time. If it fails in either of these, your weights may not be in good condition or working properly. If you have an original system, you can expect it to creep slowly about 12 -16 degrees by about 3000 -3500 rpm. This will give a total mechanical advance of maybe 20 to 24 degrees. This is what you are operating on when you put your foot into it!
check your vacuum advance. This is where you get your mileage. You will need a vacuum pump, they don't cost much and are readily available at any parts source. You can hook it up and pop the cap off your distributor and pump it up and watch the vacuum can pull the point mounting plate around, this will let you know it is working. When you stop pumping the vacuum should remain steady indicating no leaks.
and the thing is even after you check your timing you're gonna run into the problem that you're most likely losing power and speed in your engine because the mileage is to the point in which the engine has already loosened up and lost power over time. so even once you set your timing and check it you still want to do an ignition tune up and various other things to the car.
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You'll need a pocket PC with one of those adapters. I forgot what they're called but someone at an auto parts shop could probably tell you.
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Good question. I'm not completely sure how to do that, so I'd advise talking to a mechanic or looking this sort of thing up at a good auto parts store. Check out a parts book for 1997 Saturns with 1.9 I4 Dual OverHead Cam engines, and consult a mechanic to get the best approach at manually check the timing.
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