How to set 1990 Chrysler lebaron timing?

Answer 1

This is my first time to set timing and probably the last due to computerized timing control in newer cars, but I purchased a timing light and hooked it up to the positive and negative posts of battery and clamped the spark timing clamp onto the #1 spark plug wire and then cranked the engine and then shot the flashing light at my crankshaft pulley. Make sure you put emergency brake on and chock the wheels and unplug the coolant temperature sensor electrical connector. Then you will see the mark dancing around next to the numbers egraved on the right of the pulley on the engine when you aim the light at it. You need to consult your manual and find where optimum timing should be. Mine was 12 degrees before top dead center. Then there is a 12 mm nut in front of the distributor(between the distributor and the radiator) that will allow you to adjust the timing. Take note of your current timing, mine was like 20-25 degrees before top dead center. Then I turned my car off and loosened the nut and moved the timinging adjusting screw to the left or right, in my case to the left. It is in a curve because you are moving the distributor clockwise and counterclockwise. I actually did mine with the car running and while shooting the timing light at the numbers to watch it change to 12 degrees. The timing will jump around some but you can see the engine move when you adjust the timing. It kind of says "Ahhhhh", and it runs considerably better. I definitely noticed better acceleration and pickup and smoothness of ride. Don't forget to tighten the nut when finished. Shoot the timing light after you finish tightening the bolt as it will move some when tightening. I don't think we have to worry about Mechanical timing with this electronic distributor. The only downfall I have noticed is that when I accelerate up a hill, the engine feels like it is very slightly jumpy. I was thinking maybe I adjusted the timing too low, so today I have set it back slightly so that the minimum is not to the 10 degree mark. The first time I adjusted it, the minimum would dip down to the 10 degree mark ever so often. Well, good luck, and I hope I can figure my slight jumpiness during acceleration. Other than that, you will notice a good change to your engine performance, much smoother ride and better acceleration and better gas mileage.

01-24-09 I set the timing back(a few degrees to the right) slightly and I am not getting the jumpy acceleration as before. The lack of jumpy acceleration could be due to training mode of the A604 transmission, but I did not disconnect the battery terminals, so it should not go into training mode. I will know more in few days driving. Note: If you adjust the timing to lower that what your manual says, the you will get detonation in the cylinder too early and it will cause wear on the parts. You may want to have timing done by a mechanic who can tell exactly where it should be. It is cheaper to get it done in the garage than to buy the timing light.

The only thing you forgt was to unplug the coolant sensor after starting the engine, so that the computer is not advancing the timing.

Yeah, I must have eaten a took. Well you are right. I tried what you said and my original 2 adjustments were incorrect. Make sure you start the car first and then unplug the coolant sensor. The car will just die if you do that in reverse. Then shoot the timing light at your crankshaft pulley. After my incorrect adjustments, I was getting a reading of about 7 btdc. It should be 12 btdc. No wonder It was jumpy during acceleration. Now it is corrected and luckily none too soon. After this third adjustment, I plugged the coolant sensor back in and the fan shut off and I took another reading of the "advance" timing and it was between 20-25 btdc. So don't mistake that for the non-advance timing like I did. You must unplug that coolant temp. sensor before you take your reading. I guess an Advance timing light would overcome this coolant sensor. Always read the directions! It was right in the book. I guess you really do have to follow the directions exactly, or else!