89 Trans Am 350 TPI Timing issue
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Hernando, FL
Car: 89 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 TPI 5.7L Stock
Transmission: Automatic
89 Trans Am 350 TPI Timing issue
Hey there,
I have a dilemma. We static timed engine to cyl. #1 TDC 0*. EST disconnected, by the book.
Fired right up had timing light hooked up. Put 6* BTDC, shut engine off tried to start again... No start.
Took distributor cap off and bumped engine back to cyl. #1 TDC 0*, distributor rotor is 45* off(not facing spark plug #1).
Any suggestions or ideas.
Mine is that, possible timing chain slipped or stretched.
Repeated process many times, same result.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Jerry
I have a dilemma. We static timed engine to cyl. #1 TDC 0*. EST disconnected, by the book.
Fired right up had timing light hooked up. Put 6* BTDC, shut engine off tried to start again... No start.
Took distributor cap off and bumped engine back to cyl. #1 TDC 0*, distributor rotor is 45* off(not facing spark plug #1).
Any suggestions or ideas.
Mine is that, possible timing chain slipped or stretched.
Repeated process many times, same result.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Jerry
Last edited by cheftaylor69; May 8, 2017 at 04:09 PM. Reason: Info
Supreme Member




Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,178
Likes: 48
From: Tracy, CA
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: 89 Trans Am 350 TPI Timing issue
It should be fairly east to determine if the valve timing is fubar. Just take a compression reading on any cylinder.
Last edited by paulo57509; May 8, 2017 at 05:37 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Engine: 350-TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi
Re: 89 Trans Am 350 TPI Timing issue
Hey there,
Took distributor cap off and bumped engine back to cyl. #1 TDC 0*, distributor rotor is 45* off(not facing spark plug #1).
Jerry
Took distributor cap off and bumped engine back to cyl. #1 TDC 0*, distributor rotor is 45* off(not facing spark plug #1).
Jerry
My preferred method of being sure I'm on TDC is to take the spark plug out and wad up a little paper towel. Make sure it's large enough to cover, BUT NOT PASS THROUGH, the spark plug hole. Push it into the hole and bump the starter. When you hear the paper pop out, you're darn close. You should be able to turn it the rest of the way by hand. Then adjust the distributor so the rotor goes where you need it to. Car should start and run to the point where you can time it.
Read this thread when you have a moment.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tpi/...replacing.html
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Hernando, FL
Car: 89 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 TPI 5.7L Stock
Transmission: Automatic
Re: 89 Trans Am 350 TPI Timing issue
Did all as far as paper towel, TDC, watched the valves #1, etc... Went ahead and bought new fuel injectors, and timing set, gaskets and getting things put together this weekend. I believe these things will allow us to get her back running. I will keep everyone posted on what happens when we get things done. Compression seems good, we are just hoping that when we get her put back together, she will live again. lol
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Hernando, FL
Car: 89 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 TPI 5.7L Stock
Transmission: Automatic
Re: 89 Trans Am 350 TPI Timing issue
Ok, Guys. Just the update on the Timing issue. It was the Timing Chain, it was so very loose, so we ordered New Chain, sprocket and gear set, Intake Manifold gasket set, New Injectors, and Oil pan Gasket. She now runs harder and stronger than before. Thanks for all and any reply's I had from this post. All is well now, She Lives again



