[lighthouse]

I know this must be the XXX time a question on advancing timing on a B14 GA16DE engine, but I just need to know which direction to rotate that advances or retards timing.

If I move the top head of the distributor towards the bumper front, is it an advance or retard? Two mechanics have given me opposing views, so I'm rather confused...

I've read several instructions on advancing one's timing, but most state something like adjusting "clockwise" or "rotate towards front of car" - which really could mean either way, depending how one faces/looks at the distibutor (from which end/side)??

Grateful for a quick illumination on the subject to clear my doubts....Reason being that I don't have a timing light to begin with and will be doing it "blind"...

Thanks in advanced for any help rendered....

 

[lighthouse]

By the way

By the way, I come all the way from Asia, where Sentras are known as Sunnys (with slightly different facelifts on the B14)...

If you're interested, here're some pics (as posted in B15sentra.net forums previously):
http://www.pbase.com/image/4683018/original
http://www.pbase.com/image/4683400/original
http://www.pbase.com/image/4740549/original
http://www.pbase.com/image/4740552/original
http://www.pbase.com/image/4740574/original

Still, I haven't come across a better site and have since garnered invaluable knowledge from sentra.net on car-mods...Keep up the good stuff and the posts coming!!

 

[AznVirus]

http://www.geocities.com/aznvirus25/advtiming.html

"Loosen the distributor nuts and turn the distributor towards the rear of the car to advance or towards the front of the car to retard the timing."

 

[UnderDog]

That's an awesome looking B14. I wish ours looked like that. It looks a lot like a G20.

 

[lighthouse]

http://www.geocities.com/aznvirus25/advtiming.html

"Loosen the distributor nuts and turn the distributor towards the rear of the car to advance or towards the front of the car to retard the timing."

Strange, but it seems to say the opposite from http://www.se-r.net./engine/about_timing.html (hence, I'm confused...)

"If not, slightly loosen two bolts holding the distributor, and twist it [toward the front of the engine to advance, toward the cabin to retard] to obtain the desired timing. [Recheck the setting after tightening the bolts!]. "

Unless the engines referred to are different??

 

[Centurion]

Look at the distributor head on (as if you were looking at a screw or bolt) and if you turn it right/clockwise =advance, left/anti clockwise=retard.

 

[lighthouse]

Thanks for the clarification..

Thanks for the clarification. Have just done so following your instructions...Will be testing out the difference soon...

Meanwhile, I'll be heading to the US (Dallas Fort Worth, Texas) in late Sep, for a conference.

I was planning to purchase some NX2000 calipers (i.e. big brake upgrade) & perhaps the UR pulley during the trip. Don't think I can pass customs / airport security with the rotors and complete brake kit..

Any idea of a place nearby which sells just loaded ADV22F upgraded calipers...Is there some place where a core charge wouldn't be mandatory??

 

[lighthouse]

That's an awesome looking B14. I wish ours looked like that. It looks a lot like a G20.

Thanks for the compliment. But really, here in Asia, most latter B14s have been facelifted ex-factory...;P

 

[Probedude]

Thats because it is WRONG on SE-R.net.

I emailed them a long time ago and they have yet to correct the error.

Timing is always advanced when you turn the distributor body against the direction of rotor rotation.

Strange, but it seems to say the opposite from http://www.se-r.net./engine/about_timing.html (hence, I'm confused...)

 

[SkylineSomeday]

:-D

Some one needs to buy a timing light!

 

[PatScottAKA99XE]

You dont have a timming light to do this? Thats just crazy, I wouldnt risk the chance of engine damage. Just buy or borrow one.

 

[lighthouse]

Buying a timing light wouldn't have done me any good. I really would have gotten my regular mechanic to do it via a timing light, but the only problem is that I have literally no "timing" marks on my pulley mount at all (verified by 2 diff mechanics)!!

Yup, for some strange reason, the marks that were supposed to be inscribed there doesn't feature...Short of using an OBDC II / Consult reader, I don't think much calibration can be done...

 

[sentravis]

that IS a SWEET ASS SWEET looking sunny.. i also wish i had your headlights and cornersalong with the grill.. i could probably get away with it.. but i dont want to spend the money for it lol.. Travis

 

[2000SE]

If no timing marks, check idle speed with accurate tach.
1. Advance timing until idle increases 25-50rpm.
2. If the car runs without pinging/detonation, repeat.

As long as you don't mess with the idle, you can go back to stock timing by bringing idle back to normal using the distributor.
This is an inacurrate but simple way to add a little timing without a timing light.

 

[lighthouse]

Thanks for the tip.

But in the end, I simply installed an Apexi ITC, which better allowed timing control over different RPM ranges.

Still, I have yet to calibrate the ITC properly (as it took previous settings from its owner who had also a similar B14 setup as myself).

But noticeably, with the Fields SFC, the combo certainly did improve driveability...