Timing a Volvo 3.0L

[bohunk60]

Being somewhat of a novice, I am trying to time my 3.0L Volvo with electronic advance. The timing mark does a strange thing. It seems to settle at a particular point, then disappear. Only to show up again a few seconds later, and I can see it work it's way up the timing pulley and stabilize at the same point. Then do it all over again. Is this normal or am I seeing things or just loosing my mind?

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Timing a Volvo 3.0L

are you using your initial timing plug and not putting 12 volts to it untill the engine is running. check out marinemechanics.com/volvo/sb-34-2-5.htm .

 

[bohunk60]

Re: Timing a Volvo 3.0L

I was waiting for that question, no I was just watching the timing mark with the electronic advance enabled. I have the jumper to set the base timing and plan to check it out this weekend. Why do I not attach it to the 12V until the engine is running?

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Timing a Volvo 3.0L

dont know, they just stress that point. is your idle holding steady during these meanderings? last dual carb volvo 4 banger i worked on, never could get the idle to steady out. up and down about 150 rpm. about 3 seconds high to low. is your timing light for sure ok?

 

[bohunk60]

Re: Timing a Volvo 3.0L

Idle sounds fine but I don't have a mechanics tach, I may get one though. The light works fine as far as I know. The moving timing mark disappears in quite regular intervals.