Having seen a few threads asking how to use a timing light on your zeds and what type of light I took a few pics today to show this and how easy it is.

 

So starting with the light type, the Draper one shown here is an induction xenon light, prices range from £20 to £40 so well worth looking around Ebay is the best place.

 

 

The unit is designed to collect its trigger signal from HT leads via the clamp sensor, of course our zeds use direct coil packs so there are no plug leads, but no worries as the coil packs emit emf (electric magnetic fields / force ) each time they trigger and the timing light sensor can pick up this and use it to flash the xenon light at the correct time, however the sensor jaw must be open so here you can see a cable tie is used to keep it apart.

 

 

 

So now the easy bit, the induction sensor sits really nice in the coil pack well, make sure the silver sticker is facing forward as its more sensative this way around

 

 

Hooking up the light to the battery, connect the red clip to the 12v live terminal and the black clip to the plenum earth point this we find gives a cleaner supply ( electronic wise ) and hence a brighter consitant flash.

 

 

So we know the correct timing is 15 deg tdc this of course is at normal operating temperature, below the picture shows the light been pointed at the crank pulley where the timing marks can be seen, in the picture the engine was NOT up to temp and hence is showing an advance of timing, this is normal and will reduce as the engine warms up.

 

 

So if any adjustments are needed the cas unit (crank angle sensor ) will need the three 10 mm bolts slacking off and the unit rotating either right to retard or to the left to advance, once correct lock them up and your done, occassionally after the timing has been adjusted the tick over may need trimming, the timing been correct is essential to get the best prerformance and best mpg.

 

 

 

 

Jeff TT

Edited July 13, 201114 yr by JeffTT

Superb Jeff your "timing" is spot on as I needed to know this.

Superb Jeff your "timing" is spot on as I needed to know this.

 

There you go spooky eh?

 

Jeff

Nice info Jeff..... :thumbup:

 

How is the tick over trimmed matey? (Just so everyone knows....)

 

Al.

Nice info Jeff..... :thumbup:

 

How is the tick over trimmed matey? (Just so everyone knows....)

 

Al.

 

The idle control valve at the back of the engine passenger side has a screw you adjust, look over the top of the battery from the passenger wing and you should be looking at it, the base idle screw is turned clockwise to lower the tick over and anticlock wise to raise the tick over, lbefore doing this however you will need to unplug the yellow electrical connector on the top of it, after setting is done plug it back in, if you have a ConZult though no need to unplug the sensor, use the idle adjust screen to disable it whilst adjusting, will take some pics and add them to this.

 

Jeff

So, how many attempts did it take to get a photo of the timing mark?

 

But on a more serious note, with the timing out, is it safe to bring the car up to temp first to do the timing, I've always wondered this.

So, how many attempts did it take to get a photo of the timing mark?

 

But on a more serious note, with the timing out, is it safe to bring the car up to temp first to do the timing, I've always wondered this.

 

Yes no worries as there is no load on the engine.

 

Jeff

Jeff can you have a look at my "totally gutted" post and see if you could give me a quote for welding work? or would i have to bring the car too you?

 

Sorry for thread highjack

you ever use the loop by the ptu Jeff ? or always the coil pack wiring.

jeff talked me through my timing as garage wrecked it after fitting timing belt ,fitted belt right never adjusted cas 40deg to advanced i used ptu wire thankgod for jeff i say

you ever use the loop by the ptu Jeff ? or always the coil pack wiring.

 

Only ever use the coil pack method, had a few odd ball results using the ptu loop.

 

Jeff

Only ever use the coil pack method, had a few odd ball results using the ptu loop.

 

Jeff

 

Ive tried both myself but not favoured either to be honest,any idea why the loop gives a less stable reading? seems odd doesnt it.on my inductive gun its ok to leave the clamp closed but some dont and add 10 degrees? all sent to try us i suppose Lol.

Spot on Jeff. You should get your own section for all your write ups....

Jeff on a non turbo would you say it would be safe to run + 2 adv so 17deg ?

Are there any known running issues to look out for?

Edited July 14, 201114 yr by hellraiser

Jeff on a non turbo would you say it would be safe to run + 2 adv so 17deg ?

Are there any known running issues to look out for?

 

Providing all other areas like tps, throttle balance and you use good quality fuel there is no issue running 17deg advance on a non turbo, in fact it will give a slight increase in drivability etc.

 

Jeff TT

Providing all other areas like tps, throttle balance and you use good quality fuel there is no issue running 17deg advance on a non turbo, in fact it will give a slight increase in drivability etc.

 

Jeff TT

That's ok then as it's been like that for the last 3 years, there is a defineate increase in power, just worried about the long term effects, I always run super unleaded.

just thought i post this ... these are on offer right now

@ £12.71+£2.95p&p

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180660832618&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

i got my self one and thay seem ok .. will try it tomorrow

just thought i post this ... these are on offer right now

@ £12.71+£2.95p&p

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180660832618&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

i got my self one and thay seem ok .. will try it tomorrow

 

That's cheap, my Draper one was £20 from the bay.

just a quick is it 15* tdc when hot at Idle say 800rpm or at 2000k where i have read before ?

If its a s1 or s2 then 15btdc at idle when upto temp.

yeah thats what i have it set to .. 15* @ idle,hot & in Gear and when its out of gear it sits around the 25*

i have the nautral switch wired up

 

 

Oh and the timing gun that i posted before works a treat ...

Just to check do you set the gauage on the gun to 15°? Tried it at 0 advance and the 15 and no sign of a timing mark on either!!!! Quick answer would be appreciated as car is warm now!

gauge on the gun? the gun should flash when it detects a pulse from the coil pack 1

 

You shine the light at the crank pulley, there will be a mark on that, that should show on the timing plate on the lower cam cover, unless you don't have a lower cam cover.

 

when warm it should be set to 15degrees top dead center.

Timing plate is there but on the gun is a dial you can turn between 0-60° called advance timing. So do I set to 0° as don't want to advance it or 15° as that is waht the timing is?

Timing plate is there but on the gun is a dial you can turn between 0-60° called advance timing. So do I set to 0° as don't want to advance it or 15° as that is waht the timing is?

 

i think you need a more simpler gun lol

 

check to see if you can see the timing mark when its set to 0.

 

do you have the documentation for the gun? as you need to know what the timing mark is with out the gun interfering with the reading.

Its for simpler adjustment of timing. But since you say you cant see timing mark you dont happen to have an ebay Lightweight crank pulley do you ?