Timing ignition before starting engine?

[ebouwman]

I'm just putting my engine back together after a blown head gasket, this is the first time i've attempted this amount of work.

What i'm wondering is if there's some way to sort of set the timing before i start the engine just so it doesn't blow up on first start or something. Mainly i'm a little paranoid of wrecking it after spending all the money to get it ship shape.

My brother has an old landcruiser, and on it you can set the timing by lining up a mark on the flywheel and attaching a test light to the distributor or something.

Also that little pointer thing that you use to get the engine to TDC is broken off or missing. Is there any way to put a new one on?

A couple of noob questions i fear, but i thought i should ask before i possible destroy something or have to re-do something. Also my dad just told me that he'll be surprised if my engine actually runs when i'm done

[86tymr2]

MKI MR2 Write-ups how to use the timing light....also if you dont have one pick up a haynes manual

[Papo J]

Make sure that the static timing is set correctly (aligning the cam gears and crank with the timing marks) and make sure that the distributor is inserted into the head as stated in the BGB or Haines manual. There is no way of properly setting the ignition timing unless the engine is running.

[ebouwman]

Originally Posted by 86tymr2

MKI MR2 Write-ups how to use the timing light....also if you dont have one pick up a haynes manual

I know roughly how to do the timing using the light, but the question was about setting timing without running the engine.

I also have a bit of a problem because the pointer that comes off of the timing belt tensioner set bolt was broken off at some point in the cars life

[lsgheero]

Originally Posted by ebouwman

I know roughly how to do the timing using the light, but the question was about setting timing without running the engine.

I also have a bit of a problem because the pointer that comes off of the timing belt tensioner set bolt was broken off at some point in the cars life

(mentioned by papo j)

Make sure that the static timing is set correctly (aligning the cam gears and crank with the timing marks) and make sure that the distributor is inserted into the head as stated in the BGB or Haines manual.

that's how you would time the engine without it running, (base time basically) then you will move the distro to set the timing foward or back (factory is 10 degrees advanced i think)

[ebouwman]

i did all that and after realizing my fuel pulsation damper was loose it fired right up. I have a new idler pulley bolt coming in through toyota, and i'll get them to set it. They also gave me a small deal because the guy i bought it from is a technician there. So something like 50 cents off of a 3 dollar bolt I can feel the lack of power though since the timing is off just that little bit, i retarded it a little so that just in case i got it wrong i wouldn't be wrecking my engine until i got the parts and timing done.

[Pritch]

is it pretty much the same as in that write up for the 3SGTE?

[ebouwman]

what? are you trying to do the same thing? You just line up the marks and shove er in trying to keep it lined up, and try to time it right away with a light

[Pritch]

oh yea i got it, the terminals I had to jump were different..but what a difference, she runs like a champ now it was set at 26 degrees before...whoops! i knew i forgot to do something

[rayfast]

For future referrence, on the 4AGE engine (and, incidentally, the 4AFE used in other Toyota models), #1 piston is at TDC when the key on the crank shaft is pointing straight up at the head.