Setting Timing on a 2002 VP5.7GXI-A

[Berkley1]

I have to deal with a disturbed distributer meaning must go to TDC any ideas on how to turn the engine without removing the raw water pump?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Pull the plugs, grab the belts
use a momentary start switch to bump the starter
pull the starter and use a prybar on the starter teeth

you never ever ever ever want to turn a small block chevrolet motor from the front crank bolt

 

[Berkley1]

Pull the plugs, grab the belts
use a momentary start switch to bump the starter
pull the starter and use a prybar on the starter teeth

you never ever ever ever want to turn a small block chevrolet motor from the front crank bolt

Thanks for the advice will get a bump switch.

 

[alldodge]

Agree, bump the starter with your thumb over the #1 plug until it pops out air
With the EST distributor set it in close and place motor in base timing mode to do final adjustment

 

[Berkley1]

Agree, bump the starter with your thumb over the #1 plug until it pops out air
With the EST distributor set it in close and place motor in base timing mode to do final adjustment

Not familiar with placing motor in base timing mode how is that done?

 

[alldodge]

You have a MEFI-3 ECM so look for the Diagnostics connector, it will have a plastic cover over the pins and be near the ECM

Start motor and let it warm up.
Once warm use a paper clip or other jumper and connect pins A and B

Set timing, lock down dizzy, remove jumper and shut motor off

 

[Berkley1]

You have a MEFI-3 ECM so look for the Diagnostics connector, it will have a plastic cover over the pins and be near the ECM

Start motor and let it warm up.
Once warm use a paper clip or other jumper and connect pins A and B

Set timing, lock down dizzy, remove jumper and shut motor off

View attachment 402614

Thanks for the advice will definitely need this.

 

[Kosmofreeze]

Wait ... what? What's this 'base timing mode' thing all about? What happens if you don't do the jumper wire thing?

I'm not having any problems with my GXi-A - just trying to understand.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Wait ... what? What's this 'base timing mode' thing all about? What happens if you don't do the jumper wire thing?

I'm not having any problems with my GXi-A - just trying to understand.

You can't set timing if you don't put the distributor into base timing mode

 

[alldodge]

Wait ... what? What's this 'base timing mode' thing all about? What happens if you don't do the jumper wire thing?

I'm not having any problems with my GXi-A - just trying to understand.

If you have never adjusted it may be set in correct position

 

[Berkley1]

OK I have read numerous forums and post on setting the timing on a VP 5.7 GXI-A So here's what I have learned, one the dist. has two connectors one with 3 wires and one with two wires I don't think I have a diagnostic plug I have read where you connect a humper to the 3 wire plug on the dist to set the base timing. which means you use an advance timing light and set the marks this gives you 0 deg (correct) then you use the advance timing light set at 8 BTDC move the distr. to 8BTDC once this is done to stop the engine and remove the jumper reconnect the plug to the distr. and you should be set does this sound correct. And what is the purpose of the jumper if you use a advanced timing light to set the timing at 8 BTDC? I am going to replace the distributer, but the engine is running good not with idle at about 750 RPM no sputter or knock.

 

[alldodge]

That is correct how timing is done using an advance timing light and not having a ECM. You may be able to do it with a ECM but I cannot say for sure. Your motor does have the connector it's just has not been found yet

 

[Berkley1]

That is correct how timing is done using an advance timing light and not having a ECM. You may be able to do it with a ECM but I cannot say for sure. Your motor does have the connector it's just has not been found yet

So I have ordered the jumper connector that goes to the Distributer will this do the same thing once I disconnect the current plug?

 

[alldodge]

So I have ordered the jumper connector that goes to the Distributer will this do the same thing once I disconnect the current plug?

Maybe but may also cause a trouble code with the other connector removed and may not even start. Pic is blurry but note the connector top center

 

[Berkley1]

Maybe but may also cause a trouble code with the other connector removed and may not even start. Pic is blurry but note the connector top center

View attachment 402828

I think I have seen that connector before Thanks for the diagram most helpful.

 

[Berkley1]

That is correct how timing is done using an advance timing light and not having a ECM. You may be able to do it with a ECM but I cannot say for sure. Your motor does have the connector it's just has not been found yet

Still looking for the connector question what should the timing read when the jumper is removed should it be 8 BTDC?

 

[alldodge]

Still looking for the connector question what should the timing read when the jumper is removed should it be 8 BTDC?

EFI and MPI motors when not in base timing mode are constantly changing, most times not much but still moving

 

[Berkley1]

EFI and MPI motors when not in base timing mode are constantly changing, most times not much but still moving

So I should set the timing to 8 BTDC with the jumper connected correct?

 

[alldodge]

Correct

 

[Berkley1]

Correct

I found the diagnostic connector Thank you for your help.