timing the VG-30 V6

krmiller70 · Nov 7th, 2007, 04:44 PM

Hi there,
I'm a newbie to this fourm, I'trying to find out what the "Proper" procedure is for setting the ignition timing on a 1989 Pathfinder and what the optimum setting would be for both power and economy,weighing more on power. Also are there any tips any one can give me on replacing the starter? Mine has a 5 speed and I understand theres a 1 and 2 prong version of this starter. How do I know what I have without taking it off??

Thanks for any help,
krmiller70

**88pathoffroad** · Nov 8th, 2007, 02:43 PM

Starters should be all the same, I've never heard of a one-prong or two-prong starter. Timing should be set at 12 degrees BTDC IIRC, look on the sticker under your hood.

Run the engine to normal operating temp.
Raise the engine to 2000 RPMs for about 2 minutes.
Let it idle.
Race the engine two or three times under no load, then run it one minute at idle.
Check idle speed and adjust as necessary. (700 RPM for A/T in Drive, 800 RPM for M/T)
Connect timing light to #1 plug wire and battery.
Adjust timing by loosening the distributor hold-down bolt and turning the distributor clockwise to advance, counter-clockwise to retard.
Re-check timing after tightening distributor hold-down bolt to ensure it didn't change.

krmiller70 · Nov 9th, 2007, 11:36 AM

Thanks for the info I've various opinions on this subject afew that even told me you cant adjust the timing !!! Others have told me it crank fired ignition !!!! With a distibutor !!!???? One item that does concern me is, the mechanic that worked on the last time said he couldn't get the marks on the balancer pulley to line up or he couldn't read them when he set the timing to the factory setting ??? He thought the distributor might be in wrong or out 180 degrees in timing. I had to have the timing belt replaced, since the old one broke unexpectedly. The shop that did the belt told me the valves were bent,i took a chance and had them put it back together any way. It seems to run fine, no rough idle or misses no smoking or high oil comsumption, the only thing it does exhibit is poor fuel milage and pinging !!!! The mechanic told me he thought it might be advanced alot since he had no acurate way of timing in degrees more of a "time by ear deal" he is a very experinced mechanic and does alot of motors for drag racers. He openly addmits he has very little experince with foriegn cars.

Any ideas or comments,

Thanks.

KRmiller70

**88pathoffroad** · Nov 9th, 2007, 03:28 PM

It may be one tooth off on the timing belt. I did that once, experienced a lack of power, slight pinging and some idle irregularities. It was one off on the crank end. That could very well be your problem with the timing.

For the starter swap:
Replacing Your Starter on a 1987-95 - Nissan Pathfinder Off-Road Association