Easy tips

Why is base ignition timing important in a V-6 engine?

Why is base ignition timing important in a V-6 engine?

Beginning in 1988, this engine featured “Vortec” cylinder heads that created a swirling air/fuel mixture in the cylinder for improved combustion efficiency. Setting the base ignition timing in this engine is critical to the engine’s performance, because on-board computer control of ignition timing during operation assumes base timing is accurate.

What’s the best timing for a small block Chevy?

Small block Chevys (and most other GM performance V8 engines) perform best when the total timing (full centrifugal advance plus the initial timing setting with vacuum advance disconnected) is all in by 2,500 Π2,800 rpm and is set to 36 Π38 degrees. If you have an adjustable timing light, this is very easy to check.

What kind of timing chain does a DOHC V6 use?

In some engines, such as a Chevy 3.4L DOHC V6, a timing chain is used to drive an intermediate sprocket that drives two belts (one for each cam). Timing belts and chains carry a heavy load.

Where is the timing connector on a V-6?

Unplug timing connector to prevent the computer from changing the timing while you are adjusting it. The timing connector is a single wire connector containing a tan wire with a black stripe and is located taped to the outside of the main wiring harness on the firewall or behind the front carpet on the passenger-side floorboard of the vehicle.

Beginning in 1988, this engine featured “Vortec” cylinder heads that created a swirling air/fuel mixture in the cylinder for improved combustion efficiency. Setting the base ignition timing in this engine is critical to the engine’s performance, because on-board computer control of ignition timing during operation assumes base timing is accurate.

What does it mean when your base timing is too advanced?

Sounds to me like your base timing is a bit too advanced. The ‘ping’ is minor detonation, often caused by too much advance or fuel with lower octane than you’re tuned for. You need to baby it until you can get it checked, minimize the ping as much as you can.

Unplug timing connector to prevent the computer from changing the timing while you are adjusting it. The timing connector is a single wire connector containing a tan wire with a black stripe and is located taped to the outside of the main wiring harness on the firewall or behind the front carpet on the passenger-side floorboard of the vehicle.

What are the symptoms of an incorrect ignition timing?

Symptoms of incorrect ignition timing are poor fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, hard starting, backfiring, or “pinging” or “spark knock”. Too little spark advance will cause low power, bad gas mileage, backfiring, and poor performance. Too much advance will cause hard starting and pre-ignition.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle