Timing issue?

Superstroke17 · Aug 16, 2012

New guy here! I Checked the timing last week on my 95 gt and was reading at about 6 degrees, (previous owner said it was supposed to be @ 14) I bumped it back up to 10 like factory (yes, i removed the spout) and it spark knocked like crazy so i bumped it back down. Replaced the harmonic balancer this morning cause searches led to them being an issue on these cars. Apparently i was wrong timing is still at 6 degrees. Doesn't seem to be any play in the chain by watching for play in distributor (which appears to be new). What else could cause this. I originally checked because car just seems like it has a slight miss or something and is lacking power. Already cleaned maf sensor and checked codes too, came up clean. Any ideas?

Superstroke17 · Aug 16, 2012

Well i decided to change plugs this morning. I also sprayed carb cleaner at vac lines and under intake to check for vacuum leaks, but nothing changed. Anyway at some point someone has put what seems to be the wrong plug in it, upon research they must have gotten them for a 96 instead. I replaced them with the good ol' trusty autolite 25s. Test drove the car and seemed to run a little better, not a lot but a slight difference. I then decided to bump the timing back to 10. At 10 it does still spark knock, not as bad as it was but it is still there. So I'm back to square one. the plugs i removed are pretty white looking which IIRC will show that i do have a lean issue. Pic below

CC'S95GT · Aug 16, 2012

I'm at a loss. have you verified TDC? Cam timing? temp sending unit?

rz5.0 · Aug 16, 2012

Fuel pressure?? I'm going to daddy you need to replace your oxygen sensors..you should of got a lean code... Are you running stock injectors and maf..

Superstroke17 · Aug 16, 2012

rz5.0 said:
Fuel pressure?? I'm going to daddy you need to replace your oxygen sensors..you should of got a lean code... Are you running stock injectors and maf..

I'm going to change the filter and check fuel pressure tomorrow. Yeah wondering why i got no codes, It's definately running lean and usually the o2 sensors find it before i do, will try pulling codes again. Will the lean codes show with koeo or does it need to be running? Injectors and maf are stock I guess (has 19lb injectors and motorcraft maf sensor), just got the car about a month or so ago so not sure if they've been replaced.

ThA SkInNy · Aug 16, 2012

Don't mean to barge, but I have encountered the exact same problem. It's baffling.. Your running e7 heads right?

ThA SkInNy · Aug 16, 2012

Actually mine seems to be running in the rich side. What about the tps??

RichV · Aug 17, 2012

I don't think going the wrong way will make it knock, but make sure you are on the BTDC scale. 10* is factory.

I would verify cam/crank timing, could have jumped time with a loose chain.

Superstroke17 · Aug 17, 2012

RichV said:
I don't think going the wrong way will make it knock, but make sure you are on the BTDC scale. 10* is factory.

I would verify cam/crank timing, could have jumped time with a loose chain.

It knocks when going from 5 or 6 (it was here when i got the car which means someone knows this already and bumped it down for a reason)up to 10. It won't run at 10 without spark knocking at about 3K rpms.

Also:
Filter didn't help much. Codes didn't show anything but for thermactor system where smog was removed. I've got to try to find the right adapter so i can check my fuel pressure. Balance test came back good also. Wondering if my o2 sensors are bad, it should be getting a lean code i would think. Also it seems to run worse when it's cold? Maybe iat sensor? I have also noticed an exhaust leak around the collector area now that i can hear it after having tailpipes put back on. Don't know if it would affect anything?

RichV · Aug 17, 2012

Are you sure you are BTDC not ATDC? The zero notch has 10 on both sides. That's the only thing I'm thinking.

rz5.0 · Aug 17, 2012

Another thug is are using the straight part of the Pointer not the lil circles and other crap on it..

Superstroke17 · Aug 18, 2012

Yes I am checking/setting the timing correctly I have done this many times. I don't think its a timing issue anymore as much as a lean issue. Someone before me had the timing bumped down for this reason I'm assuming. the car is still very much drivable with the timing at 6* but knowing that there's a problem just bugs the piss out of me and now i want to find it.

rz5.0 · Aug 18, 2012

If its not timing its prob fuel then

Superstroke17 · Aug 18, 2012

Fuel pressure good 40 @ idle with vac. line off, 32-33 with line on. What now?

toyman · Aug 18, 2012

About the only thing left are the injectors. You will need a noid light to see if they are firing. Now, they could be firing but could be severely plugged if the car wasn't driven for a few years.

Superstroke17 · Aug 18, 2012

toyman said:
About the only thing left are the injectors. You will need a noid light to see if they are firing. Now, they could be firing but could be severely plugged if the car wasn't driven for a few years.

Yeah I thought about that today. I actually have the set i took from my old car when i upgraded out in the building. Ordered rebuild kit for them today and gonna clean them up and see what it does. Will probably be next weekend until i get it done. I'm just gonna bump the timing back down for now cause it's my dd.