|
Remember the iatrogenesis? This need to move the distributor, like the dead ECU has a cause in technician error. Most likely it is your error, but there's a chance you can blame it on a previous mechanic.
If the ignition timing is significantly retarded, you can be burning much of the fuel in the exhaust manifold instead of in the cylinders. It will actually glow red. That could be why the motor overheated, but there's an opportunity to make another error installing the seal on the heater return pipe -- one I made.
The error is in aligning the I-shaft timing mark, that's the root cause. It is your error if you check and find it is off, but it is such a common error (remember the parallax issue?) it could have been done in previous work, and then compensated by pulling the distributor and re-installing its gear a tooth in the right direction.
1. Install the dry O-ring on the pipe, not in the water pump, then lube its outside.
2. Remove the upper timing cover, turn the crank bolt until the cam mark is aligned. Use a stick to check TDC is exactly where the cam mark aligns. Then carefully count the teeth as in the picture below to check your I-shaft sprocket alignment.
3. Buy a timing light. Basic is best, you don't need one which does calculations, just a light that flashes when you have spark. Don't run the motor long until you have timing set to 12 BTDC. Plug that long vacuum line from the ICU to the manifold while you set it. The setting should occur near the center of the adjustment range at the base of the distributor. If it doesn't, either the I-shaft is not on target, or someone else had the distributor out and not back in correctly.
Most of all, remember making these errors are absolutely the best ways to learn something those without the luck to encounter them will never fully understand. I've had to turn around a thousand mile trip because of the heater return pipe leak, and I've seen my ignition timing error make a manifold red hot. Just like the issues you had with your front brakes heating up and boiling fluid on your long I-5 commute, the serious consequences of making mistakes create very satisfying lessons to learn and pass on.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore
Mistakes are the portals of discovery. -James Joyce
|
