Timing on a 1991 GSI

[sparky]

Can the timing be adjusted on this engine? its a E16SE, and if so, where should it be set?


Thanks in advance




Sparky

[Damo]

You will need a strobe gun to get it acurate mate.

[sparky]

Yeah Igot a strobe gun and know how to do timing, but just wanted to know if it can be adjusted, and what it needs to be adjusted to.


Thanks.

[Stoo]

Thanks in advance



Sparky

LMFAO, i see what you did there ;)

[bazil]

If it has a square top can cover there are no timing marks on the bottom cover,

[sparky]

It has got timing marks on it, everything is pointing at the idle control valve now, as we got the engine to tick over ok, until the fan kicks in, then the engine starts struggling, same when you turn the lights and heater on etc.....

(well observed stoo lol)

[craig green]

There is a setup method posted on here before (years back) I was always told the ECU auto adjusts it, but was convinced my GSi timing was out.

[chimp007_uk]

I used to adjust the timing on my GTE with a strobe even though that has the ignition ecu. I believe it only controls the ignition curve.

[mowgli]

It has got timing marks on it, everything is pointing at the idle control valve now, as we got the engine to tick over ok, until the fan kicks in, then the engine starts struggling, same when you turn the lights and heater on etc.....

(well observed stoo lol)

well, at tickover, the engine is designed to run on as little fuel as possible, so it produces very little horsepower.

when the fan kicks in, it drains the battery, which, in turn, draws current from the alternator, which causes the engine to labour, which is exactly the same as when you stick the lights & heater on at tickover, so it really isn't a fault, its a characteristic

[sparky]

meh, it doesnt do that on my Corsa c, also the idle wanders.

[sparky]

I've had 3 GSI's including this one, first was an H plate that I bought in 1996, that car didnt do this, next was a K plate that didnt do it either (I know the K plate was a coil pack) but really you should be able to put the lights/heater/stereo and fan on and the car doesnt conk out. I drove loads of times in the dark with my first H plate, and never had any problems, so something is amiss.

[chimp007_uk]

Tried replacing the alternator?

[sparky]

No m8, thought has crossed my mind, maybe stick an avo on it to see what its up to, dunno if that would affect normal tickover would it? maybe it would I'm not sure, you probs know more than me. :)

[chimp007_uk]

20year old alternator, and if electrical components are drawing alot of current then it will start to strain the engine, and at idle it's not charge that much.

[craig green]

Just get an auto battery specialist to check it, they'll tell you if its the alt or if to look at the ICV etc.

Something I do when buying a car is turn everything electrical on & see how it copes. Rear screen usually causes the biggest drain.

[sparky]

Cheers bud, I'll have a look into it.

[sparky]

Thing is I paid £200 less for the car because of the idling problem, more fool me?

[sparky]

The bodywork is good, no rust on rear arches so........

[craig green]

Thing is I paid £200 less for the car because of the idling problem, more fool me?

It wont cost 200 to fix. We have a place called 'the battery centre' here. Just a small independant shop. They are ace for this kinda thing, they even rebuild alternators etc. I had mine done on my GSi years ago for about £20. I dont think they make much money LOL.

[sparky]

You've given me a lot of good advice on here Craig, I do appreciate it. :)

[sparky]

If I was going to take the engine out to re-paint/gasket it, can I take it out upwards, or does it have to come out of the bottom?

[bazil]

There is a setup method posted on here before (years back) I was always told the ECU auto adjusts it, but was convinced my GSi timing was out.

yip i was told the same with my gsi by both vauxhall and bosch experts, it was a square top cover with black dizzy and siemens brain, turned out my poor idle and pinking was a faulty AFM and an earth problem, it was throwing the fuel/air ratio way out.

[bazil]

If I was going to take the engine out to re-paint/gasket it, can I take it out upwards, or does it have to come out of the bottom?

ive done both but if its engine only i split it from the box in the bay then out from up top.

[sparky]

meh I've got to go to a garage then. Cant you take the engine and gearbox out of the top?

[sparky]

you buy a second hand afm?

[bazil]

if you want too aye, or drop it down and lift the car up and over, iirc you need the arb off for that.

[bazil]

you buy a second hand afm?

ive got 5 now lol

[sparky]

whats an ARB, and do u use a gasket to seal to the gearbox again?

[bazil]

anti roll bar, eh no sealer between engine and box, i take it you've never done this before?

[sparky]

nope never. :)

[sparky]

if you're not taking out the box, do you still disconnect the drive shafts?

[bazil]

i cant remember i think i pulled the o/s one but not sure

http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy181/Bazil_2468/me%20novas/Picture013.jpg

[sparky]

ffs! I was told that it was defo the afm, and that I should clean it with brake cleaner, all exited to get home and do so. Cleaned it, still idling like crap.

Think I'll just take it to my local garage and ask them to just diagnose it, and I'll fix it. Hopefully wont take them too long, they are good mechanics.

[sparky]

I could replace everything that could be wrong with it, but I think it will be cheaper this way!

[sparky]

How do I split the engine from the gearbox?