Timing on 97 TJ is off HELP!!!
- Thread starter Micah Chambers
- Start date
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Great teamwork guys LOL.Micah Chambers
New member
Well I thought I did but it is close but when I move it one tooth or either direction it still won't start. Idk I'm fed up. Bad thing is I know what I'm doing I've done this a hundred times and never had a problem like this.
69jeepcj
New member
It has to be in the dist set up, being a tooth off one way or the other or its just out of time. Do you have a timing light?? If not, you should really invest in one for setting the time. If you have a harbor fraight store by you they sell cheap one for 16.99, they are real cheap (cheaply made) but will do just fine for what you need it for.
With out a timing light, getting your timing "right" will be very hard.
With out a timing light, getting your timing "right" will be very hard.
Micah Chambers
New member
69jeepcj said:
I thought it has to be running to use a timing light and my distributor is no adjustable there is a fork that the hold down bolt goes through.
Micah Chambers
New member
69jeepcj said:
No it won't stay running it will sound like it's going to start but won't and I move distributor one or two teeth left or right and no change for the better. And no I can't rotate my distributor.
69jeepcj
New member
Wow! I have never even heard of a dist like that. Im either out of touch or getting old. So when you drop the dist in, that is your only option? no adjustments?. I am afraid I don't think I can help you any further, I know nothing about your dist set up or how you go about setting your time. Im used to loosening the bolt turn the dist to set time at say 4,6,8* BTDC and lock it down. Im at a total loss, but am sure we have your cam gears to where they should be now. Im sorry, wish I could help further
Micah Chambers
New member
808CJ7 said:
I know this but my distributor has a fork coming off the bottom that when it's all the way down my hold down bolt goes through and I can't turn it left or right.
Micah Chambers
New member
808CJ7 said:
If there is I don't know where or how to do it.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
No, they're not. They're non-adjustable on newer Jeeps as the computer adjusts the timing as needed. Once the distributor drops into the block, its set.
Are you keeping the camshaft position sensor lined up as you drop the distributor in place? Takes a small allen wrench to slip in the holes and keep it aligned.
Micah Chambers
New member
Bounty__Hunter said:
No I've been taking it off dropping the distributor in with just the button on and then putting the sensor on.
69jeepcj
New member
Man, I feel your pain. my jeep just wouldnt run right, found out my cam was shot. I changed the cam, timing chain, push rods, got it all back together and NO START!. Took forever to find out I had to spin the motor after timing chain install, then my dist was out of whack, rotor wasnt pointing a #1. Took forever to straighten it out. hopefully someone that knows about your engine will chime in soon, not only for you, but im dying to know what it is. Good luck and sorry I cant help any further.
Micah Chambers
New member
Hahaha I got it!!! I Tore it back down to the timing chain and pulled the cam gear. I had a new one from my old jeep so I compared them and the teeth wer very chewed up so I put the new one on and I changed the plugs. Then I removed the cam placed the sensor on it and slid it in and then put my hands on the jeep and said Lord u have proven to me I can't do this but can. Please let it crank. But if it don't I'll try again and love u any way. And it fired right up! Hah tell me god don't answer prayer
