Ignition timing on a 1.4 N13 Nissan Sunny

[DavidB]

I have a problem with my car - I have tried on numerous occasions to set the ignition timing - I only have the Hayne's manual and it covers the 1.3 and 1.6 and the timing marks aren't the same (the engines are completely different as well!).
There are five timing marks on my crankshaft pulley, and the 1.4 is listed as +-2 degrees.
Does anyone have any further information on which mark is which - which crank marking is TDC, and is TDC set at 2deg at the distributor? The car runs like poo.

[<Type desired username here>]

You need a timing strobe light.

From memory your car has timing marks on the timing belt cover at the crank? Should say 0 10 and 15 on the cover. If its the earlier one with plain lines I'm sure the 1st one on the right is thicker. Thats TDC (0 degrees) Marks should be the same as the 1.6 as its essentially the same engine. Anyway, find the tdc mark and the notch on the edge of the crank pulley. Mark them with silver touch up or tippex. Something easy to spot.

Get the car to normal temp, connect up the timing light (at 0 degrees) and slacken the distributor mounting bolts enough so you can twist it by hand. (Don't slacken it too much)

When you point the light at the crank pulley you will see your marks. You want them to line up. If you have the 1.6 setting that should be close enough. Each line is 5 degrees. So if the setting is 5 degrees before tdc you want your crank pulley mark to line up with that. Make sense?

You move the mark by gently turning the distributor. Twist it very gently while watching the crank thru the timing light.

[Al Ramone]

have a look in the suplement at the back of the haynes manual. it covers the 1.4 12valve

[DavidB]

OK thanks, I've used the strobe light, but I was a bit confused by the amount of timing marks and lack of any reference on the internet on this, I'll check the back of the Hayne's manual, and hopefully won't give myself whiplash pulling away from a junction anymore!