Today, I decided to try and check the timing because I am certain it hasn't been checked ever in its 12 year run, until now! Here is a write-up on how to do it. This will make the idleing smoother, engine run smoother, as well as perhaps increase gas mileage for having the optimum timing.
When I checked mine, to my surprise it was at 5 degrees BTDC! No wonder my idle was fluctuating, despite cleaning out the IACV valve, and having new plugs. Not to mention when flooring it, it didn't feel THAT smooth ( I wanted it to feel smoother) and I guess you can say it didn't quite rev easy.
Maximum allowable is 15 degrees BTDC, but you must use 91 or higher octane gas!!!! If you hear pinging or detonation, RETARD THE TIMING to prevent engine damage. According to Nissan Performance Mag in the "Ask Sarah" column of the November 2002 issue, maximum allowable under 87 gas to get slightly more horsepower is 12 degrees.
Be sure to reconnect the TPS and the fan connector once you are finished!
Did I notice a difference? YES! Idle stablized even more, and it runs a lot smoother. I notice myself shifting over 15 mph 1st gear, 25 mph second gear, without thinking as if I do it automatically. Before I would shift at those just because.
Engine doesn't sound strained either. Revs freely as well. I personally believe I have gained some low-end torque. I accelerated faster on a hill on the freeway which I would normally step on the gas and not see a noticeable speed increase. But now I do. Hopefully I can notice some better gas mileage as well (or worse, haha, and not that I didn't have great gas mileage before)
Last edited by oliverr87 : Mar 10th, 2006 at 06:03 PM.
Congrats on an *excelent* post. One of the best descriptives i've seen yet.
I was planning to check mine to over break and this took all the guess work out of it.
Nice post. Did you by any chance spray paint your Valve Cover? Just might want to make sure you use a high temp paint and sealant so it doesnt mess up any internals or electrical.
Thanks for the concern JRinke, but my car runs great. I didn't want to show these pictures because I didn't want to reveal what I've done to the car so far!!! =D But while we are at it...here is a preview so far! Before and after pics:
Before:
After:
Last edited by oliverr87 : Mar 11th, 2006 at 04:06 AM.
Great write up, but its also a good idea to check the idle while adjusting the timing as it can be thrown out by the change, I also find it strange that you guys with US GA16DE engines advance by moving the distributor forwards, I do it by moving it backwards?
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It is better to try and fail........
than to never have tried at all!
Thanks guys! Also remember, you cannot set the timing properly IF base idle is messed up! For those people, here is another write-up I did on how to adjust idle. Base idle for manual transmission GA16DE is 650 RPM, 750 RPM for automatic. Make sure idle is correct BEFORE adjusting timing!
1. Warm up and shut off
2. Disconnect fan and TPS
3. Restart and rev 3 times to 3000 rpms
4. Adjust via idle screw, clockwise idle decreases, counterclockwise idle increases
5. Once idle is set, turn off and reconnect TPS and fan
Last edited by oliverr87 : Mar 11th, 2006 at 09:59 PM.
Also might want to point out the IACV valve for those of you who are having irratic idle and revving problems. Nostrodamus has an excellent write up on how to clean it up, just pointing out though that its in a different position on this engine than his.
what is the difference on the b14 for base idle ajustment?
__________________ NEW!!1987 300ZX 200 sx auto cross beast--
Intake, Front and Rear Strut bars, Major exhaust leak.98style tail lights, clear corners, and halo angle eyes, Hot Shot headers/Downpipe(still need money for the rest of it)
Did you have to change to higher octane fuel after adjusting timing?...OOPS. I didn't read the beginning of the topic, sorry! I feel like a douuche now...great sticky though.
Last edited by silver93sentra : Jun 14th, 2006 at 05:30 PM.
Definitive Guide on How-To Adjust Timing!
Linear Mode
