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

[Komeuppance]

One wire terminated to just a cover, that's gotta be it. Verify by checking the timing with and without it grounded.

-Robert

[royster]

I was indeed pointing right at it.

scan0048.jpg

Someone taped those wires together pretty tight (it isn't a factory detail). The fender had been replaced at one time, so maybe it was done then.

Like so many things automotive: you only need the one experience to remember for the rest of your life.

Thanks for taking the time for me, Komeuppance. In turn, I can pass information along, with photos, so future newcomers will know. (I took photos of the connection in place, and will post them later).

[royster]

What a difference.

After connecting the jumper line, the timing checked out at past TDC! I adjusted it with the jumper in place, to just the left of the 5-dgree line. Removing the jumper, it registered 10 degrees before top dead center. Checked it again and it remained at 5 with the jumper on. So I know i got it.

I lowered the idle to about 800 RPM: it had been a bit high.

The distributor position is not quite all the way to the left: I will check on timing belt positioning a little later, as I'm still not happy with the valve seals, yet...still some smoke on start-up...so I'll be taking the timing cover off. Thanks to you, Komeuppance, if i have to start all over with the timing belt, I'll know how to complete the task right.

There is some hesitation on take-off when it's warmed up...my impression is the timing belt slackening. It does fine otherwise. My question is: was the tensioner tension enough, or should I have put more pressure on the belt before tightening the bolts?

[royster]

Put the first 100 miles on the repair, and it runs terrific.

After that joy, I went to wash clothes. The washing machine broke.

If it wasn't "always something", we'd be out of a job, I guess.