Setting ignition timing on 87' Z24 - Infamous Nissan

hcr32 · 10-11-2011, 03:40 AM

Hey everyone,

Recently picked up a 87' D21 4x4 with the Z24. It had been neglected so working on a few things.

Noticed that the distributor lockdown bolts were loose and one was missing so the distributor was moving around and the timing is messed up.

I have a timing light and tried timing it but I can't get any lower then 20 degrees?

Anyone know how to time this thing? Do you need to unplug the vacuum line on the distributor? Also heard that the ECU needs to go in some "mode"?

Any instructions would help!
Thanks

hcr32 · 10-14-2011, 01:56 PM

Nobody eh?

Ok, the timing won't retard past 20 degrees BTDC @ idle...any ideas. From what I've read the timing needs to be set @ 10 degrees BTDC

dcnded · 10-14-2011, 02:52 PM

...make sure all accessories are off , and the clutch fan isnt operating , let it warm up to opertaing temp ,if you still cant get it , perhaps if the bolts were already loose perhaps someone had the dizzy out , and it will only take a few steps to get it back correct,
you need to set the engine at top dead center , by turning the crank manually to 0 degrees , make sure its on the compression stroke as well , at that point see if the rotor is pointing at the #1 cylinder(intake) on the cap , if it isnt, adjust accordingly and reinstall dizzy , and re-set timing from there.
hope that helps , if you need more clarification , hit me back

hcr32 · 10-14-2011, 11:24 PM

GREAT! Thanks, I'll give it a shot and see how it goes

10-14-2011, 02:52 PM	#3
dcnded Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto, Ont., Can. Posts: 96 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	...make sure all accessories are off , and the clutch fan isnt operating , let it warm up to opertaing temp ,if you still cant get it , perhaps if the bolts were already loose perhaps someone had the dizzy out , and it will only take a few steps to get it back correct, you need to set the engine at top dead center , by turning the crank manually to 0 degrees , make sure its on the compression stroke as well , at that point see if the rotor is pointing at the #1 cylinder(intake) on the cap , if it isnt, adjust accordingly and reinstall dizzy , and re-set timing from there. hope that helps , if you need more clarification , hit me back Last edited by dcnded; 10-14-2011 at 02:54 PM.. Reason: spelling

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-11-2011, 03:40 AM	#1
hcr32 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 27 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Setting ignition timing on 87' Z24 Hey everyone, Recently picked up a 87' D21 4x4 with the Z24. It had been neglected so working on a few things. Noticed that the distributor lockdown bolts were loose and one was missing so the distributor was moving around and the timing is messed up. I have a timing light and tried timing it but I can't get any lower then 20 degrees? Anyone know how to time this thing? Do you need to unplug the vacuum line on the distributor? Also heard that the ECU needs to go in some "mode"? Any instructions would help! Thanks

10-14-2011, 01:56 PM	#2
hcr32 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 27 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Nobody eh? Ok, the timing won't retard past 20 degrees BTDC @ idle...any ideas. From what I've read the timing needs to be set @ 10 degrees BTDC

10-14-2011, 11:24 PM	#4
hcr32 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 27 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	GREAT! Thanks, I'll give it a shot and see how it goes