1996 1.6 zetec Timing?

[edz355]

thanks for your help on the last Q (qapmoc & stanleyman). I have checked both cam pulleys and the crank pulley but can only see 1 timing mark, it is on the crank. am i looking for the wrong thing? (i am quite competant mechanicaly) i dont have a stobe but could probably get 1.

[stanleyman]

If the cam belt is in good condition with no cracks, splits or bits missing and it is still tight then probably it has not jumped and you should leave it for the time being. However, if there is any sign of damage or wear then it will need replacing and you need the timing positions and timing method for the cam and distributor from a Haynes manual.

You can check the ignition timing and advance mechanism with a strobe light which will tell you if it is far out, in which case it could be the belt. Minor adjustment is by turning the distributor etc. but again you need the settings from a Haynes book which will also help diagnose the problem. Halfords should have one.

[v64paul]

i dont think you will be able to adjust the ignition timing. the engine is managed electronically and not designed to be manually adjusted. a word of warning, the ignition voltage is considerably higher than a more old fashioned petrol engine, as such, i would'nt play aroud with the high tension circuit with the engine running.