How to time CA18ET?

Started by cmichael818 · Mar 17, 2015 · 10postsSMF 2010–26

cmichael818Mar 17, 2015, 7:40 pm · #1

I've narrowed my starting issue down to completely wrong timing. But I have no idea how to time these cars. So far I have set the crank pulley to have the notches lined up with the arrow to the top of the #1 cylinder at the top of its stroke. But where do I need to set the cam gear to be in the right position? I'll attach a picture, and I lined the notch on the gear with the highlighted dot on the rim of the gear, which is towards to top left of the picture.
posted image

luvnukkleMar 18, 2015, 8:27 am · #2

There should be two dots and an arrow. If you pull the bolt for the cam gear, the notch in the gear will point to the right dot. it needs to point up with the line of the engine. You can verify by making sure both valves are closed on cylinder one. That's how I set my engine

luvnukkleMar 18, 2015, 8:34 am · #3

Edit: I set my ca20e like that. The fsm and timing belt kit I got showed that as the procedure for the s12 from 82-89. Should be the same.

luvnukkleMar 18, 2015, 8:35 am · #4

82-88 ... It's too early

cmichael818Mar 18, 2015, 9:21 am · #5

Up with the line of the engine... Meaning straight up?
Followup, so both valves need to be closed AND cylinder 1 needs to be at the top of its stroke?

Cajun1guyMar 18, 2015, 11:57 am · #6

The OEM timing belt comes with two white lines on it, these are lined up with the marks on the crank sprocket and cam. If these are not on your belt, I can specifically recall that there are 43 teeth between the lines. I have gotten after market belts that were not marked, or a used OEM belt will have the lines worn off. You can paint a mark on the belt (Whiteout) if you want. I will sent more timing info this evening when I get home.

cmichael818Mar 18, 2015, 12:00 pm · #7

Alright, so it sounds like I'll need info on the placement of the cam gear, crank pulley, and timing belt.

rednucleusMar 18, 2015, 5:04 pm · #8

If that's not a new belt I would get one as long as you have it exposed -

cmichael818Mar 18, 2015, 5:30 pm · #9

All in good time, I just want it firing and running first

luvnukkleApr 1, 2015, 6:03 pm · #10

Is she running? "The line of the engine..." the ca20 sits at a bit of an angle in the engine compartment, so the line of the engine is just off of vertical. Sorry, I'm new to the forum, I thought I'd get notifications when people commented... cylinder 1 needs to be at top dead center on the compression stroke, so both valves should be closed