1988 Dodge Caravan timing adjustment

Tiny
ROMANS17
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 154,000 MILES
How do I adjust the timing on this engine? The distributor is in front of the engine. There is a hold down bracket with a 1/2" bolt holding it on the distributor. Do I take that bracket off and turn the distributor?
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 AT 6:54 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
IGNITION TIMING
2.2L
Position gearshift selector in "Park" or "Neutral" and apply parking brake. Turn all lights and accessories off.
Using a magnetic timing unit, insert pick-up probe into open receptacle next to upper, left bell housing bolt located on transmission bell housing. If a magnetic timing unit is not available, use a conventional timing light, connected to No. 1 cylinder spark plug cable.
Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Adjust engine curb idle RPM to specifications (if necessary). See CURB IDLE RPM section. Disconnect carburetor 6-way connector. Remove Purple wire, and reconnect connector (Caravan, Mini Ram Van and Voyager). Increase engine speed to 1200 RPM, then slowly close throttle.
Disconnect and plug vacuum hose at Spark Control Computer (SCC). Recheck idle RPM. See 2.2L IDLE SPEED SPECIFICATIONS table. Check ignition timing using a power timing light. If timing is within 2 degrees of specification, reinstall vacuum hose at SCC. Disconnect all test equipment. If basic ignition timing is NOT correct, proceed to next step.
Loosen distributor hold-down bolt, allowing distributor to be turned with some resistance. Adjust basic ignition timing to specifications. See IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS table. After adjusting basic ignition timing, recheck idle RPM and secure distributor. Recheck timing to verify timing is correct.
Turn engine off. Reconnect Purple wiring of carburetor 6-way connector (Caravan, Mini Ram Van and Voyager). Reinstall vacuum hose at SCC. Check curb idle RPM (adjust if necessary). Disconnect all test equipment.
2.5L
Position gearshift selector in "Park" or "Neutral" and apply parking brake. Turn all lights and accessories off.
Connect powered timing light to No. 1 cylinder. Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Disconnect coolant temperature sensor. Radiator fan and instrument panel light should come on.
Aim timing light at front of transaxle and/or read magnetic timing unit located next to timing window. If flash occurs when timing mark is before specified degree mark, timing is advanced. To adjust, turn distributor housing in direction of rotor rotation.
If flash occurs when timing mark is after specified degree mark, timing is retarded. To adjust, turn distributor housing against direction of rotor rotation. If timing is within 2 degrees of specifications, proceed to step 6). If not within specifications, proceed to next step.
Loosen distributor hold-down arm screw just enough to allow distributor housing movement with resistance. Turn distributor housing until specified value is reached. Tighten hold-down screw and recheck timing. Repeat procedure if necessary.
Turn engine off. Remove timing light or magnetic timing unit and tachometer. Reconnect coolant temperature sensor connector. Erase fault codes.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 AT 7:30 PM

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