Need Help Getting Rb30E To Tdc

[Moonline]

Hey everyone,

Needing some assistance.

I've got my hands on a second hand distributor which I have installed in my r31 skyline executive (1989) but, being new to this, I forgot to take note of the crank angle when I removed the original.

To get things working again my research leads me to understand that I need to somehow get the engine to top dead centre and align the rotor inside the distributor cap to the number 1 point. To try and get the engine to TDC I followed some advice from another forum post which suggested I try pushing the car whilst in drive to rotate the engine, but no rotation actually occurs. Is there a step I am missing? Is this because my car is an auto? What other options are there to get the engine to TDC with or without further disassembly?

To make things worse, the battery is now out of juice. Assuming that I can jump start the car or get a fresh battery, is there anything else that I need to do to get the car running?

Thanks,

Jon

[blind_elk]

The distributor should only install one way, because it is aligned by an offset tag on the distributor drive shaft.

[Smegul]

The distributor should only install one way, because it is aligned by an offset tag on the distributor drive shaft.

Completely wrong but even if you were right then how would the motor be in the correct crank angle?

This is how I do it, there's probably a better way out there but this works.

Take out cylinder 1 spark plug and stick a long screwdriver down there. Now rotate the crank by hand (with a socket/spanner on the end crank bolt) until the screwdriver goes up. Keep turning crank until it reaches the highest position then you know that piston 1 is at TDC.

BUT, it could be on the wrong stroke, intake instead of power stroke.

Install your dizzy anyway making sure the arm is pointing to number 1 on the cap. Start it up, if she runs fine then it was on the right stoke- the power stroke. If it doesnt that you have to rotate the crankshaft one moretime until the screwdrive goes down and then back up. You should be on the power stroke now.. Its easy to install the dizzy 1 tooth out. You might have to give it a few trys, just make sure it runs the same or better than it did before. From memory i think because the dizzy gear is not straight cut you have to turn the arm slightly before number 1 on the cap then once you slide it in it should force it to line up properly.

If you have any more trouble just ask me.

Edited January 22, 2011 by Smegul

[NISMØ]

Hey buddy, you should join the r31 forums. They have an absolutely ridiculous amount of info on every aspect of the r31.

This might help... if not, sign up and have a search / make a thread in the rb30 section.

http://wiki.r31skylineclub.com/index.php?title=Crank_Angle_Sensor

[89CAL]

The only easy way to tell if it is at TDC for cylinder one, is to take off your rocker cover, turn the crank using a large breaker bar or ratchet on the front of the crank, and when both your rockers are in the overlap stage (exhaust just closing and intake just opening) then you are at top dead centre

remember - 4 stroke engine goes - intake, compression, combustion, exhaust. So your looking for it just finishing the last stage and starting the first stage.... that is the intake valvle beginning to open and the exhaust valve finishing closing....

The two stages will overlap slightlighty, this is called scavanging

The distributor will install two ways, one is at the point I described, and the other is 180 degrees out when cylinder one is at top between the compression and combustion stroke (both valves closed, spark plug firing)

The rocker arms are the easiest way to tell where top dead centre is,

Edited January 23, 2011 by 89CAL

[Smegul]

The only easy way to tell if it is at TDC for cylinder one, is to take off your rocker cover, turn the crank using a large breaker bar or ratchet on the front of the crank, and when both your rockers are in the overlap stage (exhaust just closing and intake just opening) then you are at top dead centre

remember - 4 stroke engine goes - intake, compression, combustion, exhaust. So your looking for it just finishing the last stage and starting the first stage.... that is the intake valvle beginning to open and the exhaust valve finishing closing....

Ummm no sorry completely wrong aswell. Generally TDC refers to TDC of the compression stroke, i.e the fuel and air are compressed ready to ignite. So both valves would be closed just waiting for the spark to come. Thats why the dizzy arm is pointing to number 1 spark lead.

[Smegul]

Another way you can do it is remove the top timing cover and make sure sure the timing marks gear are pointed straight up.

[jiffo]

The only easy way to tell if it is at TDC for cylinder one, is to take off your rocker cover, turn the crank using a large breaker bar or ratchet on the front of the crank, and when both your rockers are in the overlap stage (exhaust just closing and intake just opening) then you are at top dead centre....................

Almost right, firing on No1 (TDC) look at No 6 changing over inlet/exhaust.

As has already been posted, easiest way, without removing the rocker cover is to set her up at TDC on the balancer, aim the rotor at No1 and have a try.

She'll either go or be 180 out and do a big boot back.

If she boots back, set her at TDC again then pull the distributor and aim the rotor at No 6.

Once she's away, timing light for final adjustment.

[Moonline]

Thanks everyone, I managed to get the engine ticking over again thanks to your help.

Cheers,

Jon

[89CAL]

Almost right, firing on No1 (TDC) look at No 6 changing over inlet/exhaust.

As has already been posted, easiest way, without removing the rocker cover is to set her up at TDC on the balancer, aim the rotor at No1 and have a try.

She'll either go or be 180 out and do a big boot back.

If she boots back, set her at TDC again then pull the distributor and aim the rotor at No 6.

Once she's away, timing light for final adjustment.

Sorry I was half asleep lol....... Thats the way I was trying to say, small stuff up on my behalf sorrry about that

[89CAL]

BTW, Why is this in the Drivetrain section?