My iroc keeps pulling this code and I can't time it right........................when I time it with the timing tan line disconnected it says I have 45 degrees INITIAL! when i try and turn it down to normal (like 6-12) the car barely runs and backfires through the intake like it would do if the timing was WAY retarded.......I would say the balancer is slipped but I just installed roller rockers and using the 0 mark on the balancer and the re-adjusting them with the motor running it seemed like the 0 mark was right on the money........any ideas??

 

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMEEEEEEEEEEBODY

 

there are a couple of things to check,

1: check that balancer, the one on my pickup has spun and it's impossible to time with a light. it doesn't run a computer but it's the same with the wire disconnected. there is a "top dead center" tool thats about $11.00 and makes the job easier.

2: if that checks out you may have got the cam in out of time during the build up, you may have to pull the timming cover and check it out.

 

I know this sound stupid but, make sure you have the light connected to #1 plug wire. I had a heck of a time trying to get the timing right with #3

 

I'd also vote for verifying the timing marks with a pistong stop and dial gauge.

You can get a quick check of the timing line on the balancer by observing the line in relation to the keyway in the crank snout. The timing line should be retarded about 7° from the keyway:

 

The balancer may have started coming apart int he rubber seam and rotated. I have seen this happen before. May want to eveluate its condition before going on.

Another thing is my car always thru a 42 and no matter what I did it wouldn't stop. I changed ECM's and never had a problem again in over a year and a half.

 

You don't need a special tool to TDC the engine I have seen those tools pop holes in pistons when left in place and the key gets turned.

Here is my backwoods method of finding TDC with no special tools.

1/2" drive with jack handel over it. Socket on the crank bolt with a 1&1/2" extention. Pull out all your spark plugs. Stand at the drivers side front corner. Stick your finger in the #1 hole. Pull the wratchet towards you to rotate the crank untill you feel air pressure blowing by your finger. Insert a piece of stiff steel stove wire (If you want to be safer use a plastic straw it won't scratch anything) into the #1 hole. Hold the wire lightly and continue turning the crank slowly untill the wire stops moving. That's TDC.
Now look at your timing mark.

 

That's good for finding relative TDC, but it might not be close enough for evaluating the balancer ring marking if the ring has only slipped 1-2° or so. Then again, if the ring has slipped 40+°, the straw should get you close. I certainly wouldn't use it to degree a cam, but it's a great tip for a quick, relative TDC indication.

 

Cool, thanx for the tip...............thats exactly what I was wanting to know/check. However..................would excess or too little timing cause a code 42?? Also...........................someone said something about changing ecm's. The previous owner had a major pack rat problem and had to replace the ECM. he claims he replaced it from the same model/year car. any way to check?