I got my 2.8 running after changing the Head Gaskets. I finally figured out that the #1 cyl is on the left side, unlike a v8. I got it running setting TDC on #2 but it ran bad. I set #1 to TDC and started it up. Low idle and the motor shook. I let it run for a while and it cleared up a bit but it wouldn't hardly idel. I would have to help it stay running sometimes. I could smell that the gas was bad, possibly water in the tank. I bought this car not knowing how long the car had set with gas in it. I siphoned the gas out and put in fuel injector cleaner and some high octane in what gas was left in the tank and it ran a little better. I drove it up and down the road and then parked it, shut if off and tried to start it back up and nothing. I am having to wait until the next day to try and start it back up.
what can I try to remedy this? I don't have a lot of money to try parts and them not to work, can't afford a mechanic either. So I'll take whatever you guys throw at me.

I read in another post that a guy tried everything and he finally replaced the ecu and that was the problem, is that the computer? If I do need to replace it does anyone have one of these?

 

#1 is on the right side, UNLIKE a v8 Set it to TDC.

You need to set timing with the EST disconnected.

Also, if you need a picture of how the dizzy sits in, I can EASLY get one right now with my motor all taken apart as well.

 

if you face the motor the #1 is on the left side. I downloaded a pic from a webpage that told me that. http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...3d80194f35.jsp

sure I could use a pic.

 

oo, ok, yes, if your looking at it that way.

Will get you pic tommorow once its daylight and I restab it

 

can you add in the pic where the est is?

 

aye aye captin.

 

First off, the EST is on the Passenger side coming out of the loom attached to the firewall. I just went out and took some pictures for you, so I'll attach them. As you can see, it's on the left had side as you are facing the engine from the from tof the car, right above the blower box on the cowl. Start the engine and disconnect it, then set the timing to 10* BTDC. Tighen the clamp, then check it again before reconnecting the connector. As long as it's still at 10*, then shut off the engine, reconnect the EST and restart. It should be MUCH happier than before.

Do this, and if it still runs like crap, let us know.

Hope this helps,
Jeff

 

Good job 2.8. However, thats not where mine is, LOL. Thats the connector though.

 

Take a picture and post it. On all of the 3rd gens I've smogged over the years, I've never seen one that wasn't there. I'd like to see it, that way I know for future reference.

 

Ok, heres the pics

 

wow, your rotor bug is pointing more towards the middle of the motor. Mine is more towards the left. I was told that I can choose any point on the dis. and make it number 1 and then go from there, is that true? Since it goes 123456 on the cap.
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if you look at the dis, in the pic, do you see the screw hole in the dis? My rotor points to the next terminal. on the cap. past that screw hole. Is that ok?

 

I was "told" it doesnt work like that. Where you can stab the dizzy in anyway, and rotate it to match. However, I dont see why it cant/doesnt/wouldnt.

But the way mine is, is the only way I've gotten it to work... on my setup

Can someone else verify that theres looks to be positioned about the way mine is?

 

dale is yours a 3.1? so where the rotor bug is pointing is that were the #1 is on your cap?

 

it was a 3.1, its now a 3.4. but it doesnt mater.

Yes, thats where #1 is on my cap

 

I'm still having troubles. So the way you have the dizzy right now in the pic, is that how you stabbed it in the motor? so can you tell me from the screw on the cap which terminal is #1 for you? I have a pic of mine but I can't attach it.

 

I'll take a pic of the cap tonight.

 

thank you!

 

 

thanks, I'll redo mine when the weather warms up. I hope this works. if the lifters were to tight how might the motor run?

 

lifters to tight, it wouldnt get compression, and I belive it would backfire. Vac reading would be all wack too.

Dont feel bad, I got mine partly running tonight in this cold *** weather... to find I have a massive oil leak.

 

Hey, I checked out your site. Nice pics. I am wanting to get into this. I just can't afford the cannon 20D yet. I have a graphics design degree and I love photoshop. enough about that.

How can I upload pics?

 

Dale, check this post of mine out. This is how I have my dizzy. my rotor is pointing more in between 3 and 5. I restab it this weekend. Nicer weather coming up.

the post is "please help. anyone with a 2.8"

 

If it's not starting after the car warms up and you shut it off... it could be a bad starter. Fiero owners have this happen to them all them time when they replace the starter with cheap replacements.

 

I am not so sure it's the starter. The car will crank over but will not fire, like it is getting no spark.

 

Ok... I know what the problem is now. If the car doesn't start after it's warmed up, and it runs like ***... the problem is the ignition control module. It sits under the distributor cap.

Sometimes they fail immediately and you can't start your car... othertimes they fail slowly where the car runs poorly but won't start after it's warmed it.

They're about $30-$50 bucks.

Get an original AC Delco or a Bosch.

Trust me, that's your problem...

 

this might be the case. I'll look into this.

 

this is where I have my timing set at and dale if you look at your pic, I notice that the flat edge next to where the ICM sits, yours is turned more. Mine is more parallel with the engine, when I stabbed it. Should I go straight in like mine or have it turned more like yours when it goes into the motor or does it matter? My rotor isn't pointing in the same dircetion as yours. I can't get mine to go that straight. It's either one way or the other but not straight. I am about ready to part this thing out.
I know about v8's but this little crap of a motor is about to make me pull my hair out.

 

I hope this pic loaded

to big don't open

 

look

 

timing

 

Now, do you have 3 cuts in the balancer like I do? I have one that is painted bright white and the other 2 are just unpainted. Make sure that you have it on the right one.

There are 3 cuts so that you can check timing on individual cyinders.

 

I have 3 and none are painted. one is just a larger groove then the others. I think I am on the right one. But for the life of me I can't seem to figure out this D@mn dizzy.

 

yea, that looks about like mine.

I have a large camera, so its hard to get a strait down shot.

 

how do you pm anymore? I would like to personally talk to dale or 2.8boy. It might be easier to get my point across that way. My email is hot_rod_chevy56@yahoo.com

 

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