Quixote

Member
Hi Guys
So, it has come to this. Given the poor fuel economy (20mpg) and worse performance I thought I'd check and reset the FIP timing; all very straightforward, wind the engine until #1 cam is upright, pop the DTI in and set to about 2 mm, turn engine clockwise until DTI at low point, reset to zero, continue turning engine until timing pin pops in. At this point I find the DTI still on zero, maybe plus a thou or 2. OK some genius has set it up to fire at TDC, that would account for the problems. However when I come to move the FIP to 0.90 mm, I find there is not enough range, i.e. at limit between 0.40 and 0.50.
So, here's the thing; is that a recon FIP required or timing chain or WTF is going on??
Your (helpful) thoughts would be apprciated.
Ta.
 
Hi Guys
So, it has come to this. Given the poor fuel economy (20mpg) and worse performance I thought I'd check and reset the FIP timing; all very straightforward, wind the engine until #1 cam is upright, pop the DTI in and set to about 2 mm, turn engine clockwise until DTI at low point, reset to zero, continue turning engine until timing pin pops in. At this point I find the DTI still on zero, maybe plus a thou or 2. OK some genius has set it up to fire at TDC, that would account for the problems. However when I come to move the FIP to 0.90 mm, I find there is not enough range, i.e. at limit between 0.40 and 0.50.
So, here's the thing; is that a recon FIP required or timing chain or WTF is going on??
Your (helpful) thoughts would be apprciated.
Ta.
Unless you are an expert, setting the FIP timing accurately using the DTI is difficult. You need to look at the modulation with diagnostics, Engine at 95C and idling the modulations should be 50%.
If in reality the FIP cannot be moved far enough to get the timing right, then the chain has jumped a tooth or has been incorrectly fitted. My money is on your timing with the DTI being out.
If you have diagnostics, I can give you a simple way to accurately adjust the FIP timing.
 
Good point doubleRR - despite the innuendo - I'm with Keith's money that the DTI's messing about, i.e. I can turn the FIP a fair bit with no movement on the gauge. Looking forward to hearing Keith's easy alternative, BTW, yes I have a Nanocom.
 
I recall it being a bit fiddly but not that bad. It might be the wrong hole. I found a breaker bar on the crank best as it was very easy to do small movements while holding the locking pin in the hole with the other hand.
 
Another fine idea, I'm faced with a bitch of a viscous fan that refuses to budge - so strugling with a combo spanner until now - I need to invest some time in creating a tool to hold the pulley. (nice colour on your P38 Grrrrrr)
 
Good point doubleRR - despite the innuendo - I'm with Keith's money that the DTI's messing about, i.e. I can turn the FIP a fair bit with no movement on the gauge. Looking forward to hearing Keith's easy alternative, BTW, yes I have a Nanocom.
PM me with an email address and I will send you photo's and info on my DTI adjustment method. LZ doesn't
like my info format.
 

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