Setting the timing after belt replacement

COFFIELD32

MEMBER
1997 GEO TRACKER
1.6L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
137,700 MILES

I changed the timing belt. Found the old one had skipped. I have set the cam the notch that has the E on it to the specified mark on the top of the motor and the crank is set to TDC on the number 1 cylinder. Tried to test fire it and all it does is backfire. Can you help?

4 Replies

COFFIELD32

MEMBER
3 POSTS

To add some more information. When I received the vehicle in a trade it was not running and some flooding issues. I have purchased all the necessary things to correct that but in my pursuit noticed the distributor didn't look right. So I have pulled it had set it back with the rotor button pointing to the the number one plug wire.

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Saturday, June 27th, 2020 AT 5:54 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Before we address the timing belt, I am concern that you may just have the distributor 180 off. If you follow this process you can at least confirm it is correct.

I then attached the process for the timing belt is that checks out for you to review.

Take a look at this info and let us know what you find. Thanks

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Saturday, June 27th, 2020 AT 6:07 PM

COFFIELD32

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you so much for your reply. I am a little confused though. I thought coordinating the cam to the crank is the timing. So if, when I was changing the the timing belt and set everything to the specified marks, how cod it be 180 degrees out? Not sure I understand. But I will try what you have sent. Thanks again for your input.

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Thursday, July 2nd, 2020 AT 4:24 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

You are correct but when you install a distributor number 1 cylinder needs to be on TDC of the compression stroke. If you set it up with number one on the exhaust stroke by mistake then the timing will be off 180 degrees because your distributor is off not the cam/crank. It is easy to do because I have done it.

Does that make sense?

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Thursday, July 2nd, 2020 AT 7:53 PM