Measuring Timing: Datascan Vs Timing Light

[WazR32GTSt]

i don't have a timing light, having moved out of home where all the tools are...

so i plugged my computer up and checked the timing using nissan datascan

it came up as 13deg BTDC. i just had cam gears installed and tuned today, so wanted to check that they re-set the timing in the process..

is this a suitable way to check timing, or will the value that i am getting from the datascan be different because of the adjusted cam timing?

do i need an actual timing light to check the timing now?

cheers,

Warren

[N I B]

You need the timing light to make sure the cas is in sync with the ecu

[Abo Bob]

How did you get the reading? It always seems to move around so much on my car that I can't figure out what it is telling me.

Actually, come to think of it, I have trouble reading it with the timing light too due to it moving around a lot.

[Sydneykid]

How did you get the reading? It always seems to move around so much on my car that I can't figure out what it is telling me.

Actually, come to think of it, I have trouble reading it with the timing light too due to it moving around a lot.

Some timing lights don't like the signal from the wiring loop, maybe borrow one and compare. If not that, then it is usually a sign of an unstable idle, and inconsistent ignition mapping at or around the idle rpm. Have a look at the maps for clues.

Cheers

[djr81]

i don't have a timing light, having moved out of home where all the tools are...

so i plugged my computer up and checked the timing using nissan datascan

it came up as 13deg BTDC. i just had cam gears installed and tuned today, so wanted to check that they re-set the timing in the process..

is this a suitable way to check timing, or will the value that i am getting from the datascan be different because of the adjusted cam timing?

do i need an actual timing light to check the timing now?

cheers,

Warren

You need to know what the cam gear setting is so you can compensate for it when you take the reading from the timing light. Depending on how much they have retarded the exhaust cam you should be able to look at the position of the CAS on the front of the timing belt cover as they move quite a bit.

[N I B]

Best method is to pull number1 coil and put a plug lead between the coil and plug and use the timing light on that.Datascan will let you lock the timing so you can adjust the CAS with a stable ign output.