Roy's Garage: '90 2.4-4G64 5-spd D-50

[royster]

Robert, thank you for your summary. Validating (or disproving) information is important for anyone who comes here to learn or to know.

I feel honored that in three years of your membership, I'm your second post...it's great information. I took the time to edit posts on this thread where your information applies.

I agonised over the timing until it was exact...with the exception of your notation:

You NEED to ground the timing adjustment wire near the firewall to set the timing correctly, this tells the ECU not to change the timing, allowing you to set the base timing.

This helps me understand the process, so I will follow through on this. (My distributor is centered). In writing this thread, I tried to explain the why's of each process, or simply gave an honest observation as I was going through it. When we know why we're doing something, it helps us do a better job. I also had an eye of the future, so I titled the thread informatively. I'm no expert, but I did learn huge amounts about these engines by doing this project. Those experts, like yourself, that have contributed have done a great service to the newcomers who need answers.

Again, my sincere gratitude.

[royster]

Okay! Here's another nit-picky detail I'd like to know about:

Ignition Timing Procedure
The 2.4-liter engine has an ignition timing of 5 degrees before top dead center (BTDC). First, connect a jumper wire between the ignition timing adjustment connector and ground. Then, turn the car on and put the transmission in neutral with the emergency brake engaged. Finally, turn the wheels clockwise and bring the engine to an idle speed of 750 rpm. You can check and adjust the ignition timing after these three steps are completed.
Read more: http://www.ehow.com/facts_7889576_mi...#ixzz2rtWDnlcz

What's with the turning the wheels clockwise (would that be 'to the right' ?) and how do we determine this illussive 'ignition timing adjustment connector'? I'm not finding any connector.

But good 'ol Haynes book gives a very specific photo of the hook-up on a Raider. (I'm thinking that's a D-50 on the cover, guys...)

My contempt of these Haynes books grows stronger every day.

Run, Toto, RUN!

[royster]

Could somone take the time to walk me through the process of locating the ignition timing adjustment connector, and how to use it? The only connector I see is connected to the 02 sensor...then there are two on the firewall that I'm certain are for a tachometer. The area the manual indicates it should be points to the o2 sensor connection on the wheel well.

I understand the importance of this procedure, but I am not sure how to carry it out. I'm avoiding driving the truck until the timing is right. I keep searching this forum but it's difficult to find specific threads, and the search feature isn't helping much.

This is the only photo I have that shows the connection I see, it joins with the o2 sensor (red arrow).

scan0048.jpg

EDIT: That is indeed the right location. Below, I hold the cap to the connector, just near the connector itself.

scan0007.jpg