Timing frustrations...

[TINBOAT]

89 LX-I..replaced the timing belt as per specs, TDC on the flywheel, cam sprocket perfectly lined up. Checked and re-checked.
Problem is, not enough movement in the distributor hold down slots to get the proper timimg only can get about 8* BTDC. I know this seems like I'm out one tooth on the timing belt.
So I set the belt one tooth out to get the ign timing right, but doing this does not help the alignment on the cam sprocket.
It almost seems that the distributor rotor is out of whack.
These distributors can only go in one way, but can the dist drive off the cam slip ??
WTF am I doing wrong ????:wtf:

[Dibbs]

I had a similar problem when I threw my belt. I lined it up 4 times with the same result. I ended up rearranging the plug wires.

[TINBOAT]

...shouldnt hafta do that..gonna open up the distributor today...it's gotta be something simple.

[Dibbs]

When you open up the distributor, you are going to be tempted to physically move the rotor. You will soon find that the rotor piece fits in the cam like a puzzle piece so it can't be physically rotated. Mine was 180 deg off, hence I rearranged my wires. Yeah, it's not the correct thing to do but it will get you back on the road. BTW, it's lasted me about 75000 miles and counting since I did it.

[TINBOAT]

Is it possible to set the distributor 180* out ?? (the "dogs" on the drive seem to be offset to prevent this )

[Dibbs]

I thought it wasn't possible either, but once I saw where the rotor was after the 4th time of lining it up, there was no other explanaiton in my mind.

[BootMachine]

advance and retard lines OK?

[A20A1]

Strange...

[cruznz]

try pulling the dizzy out,and rotate the engine 180 degrees from where you have it at TDC now

[TINBOAT]

..all fixed up...had a bad rotor (cracked)...changed plugs and wires, and the frikken 17 dollar fuel filter..this little sucker hauls ass like it was new !!!

[Dibbs]

Awesome bro! Cool you got it fixed.