Correct me if i am wrong but shouldn't the timimg change a few degrees when the E.S.T. terminal is plugged back in after setting the timing?? I set my timing at 8 degrees btdc and then checked it again after plugging the terminal back in and it did not move. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

your EST isn't working

 

Is this something that can be fixed easily?

 

Check the VECI label. Mine says to put the EST in bypass mode. This is the only way to get a good adjustment on your timing.

Probably won't get an accurate read with the once the tan/black wire is connected.

 

"plugging the terminal back in" is English for "had it in bypass mode while setting it"

If the timing did not move, then something is wrong; either the EST module, or the ECM, depending on whether you have the external EST module or not (I can't recall which version they used in 89...). It should go to somewhere around 20-24° advanced when you plug it back in.

 

This might be a stupid question but could i just set the timing to 20-24 degrees right now until i fix the problem???

 

I can help you i hope, do these steps and it should work out fine
Start up car and get to opperating temp.
shut off car and un plug tan wire
start up and time engine
shut off car connect tan wire
at this point you might want to rev the engine with the timing light still aimed at the ballancer, not a red-line rev, just a little above and idol. if the timing doesent change on the ballancer you have a prob

let me know how it turns out
SamRS350

 

Sure, you could do that. You could set it anywhere you want.

Problem is, if the computer doesn't vary the timing according to the engine's operating conditions, the car still isn't going to run very good. The timing needs to be able to be changed from around 10° advanced under some conditions, to maybe more than 50° advanced under some others, according to what the computer (or in days gone by, the centrifugal and vacuum advance mechanisms) decides is appropriate. Without that, it won't run right.

But it'll probably run better with the timing stuck at 24° than at 6° or something, if it truly isn't changing when you give control back to the computer by hooking up the wire.