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2nd Gen Ram Tech1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
For spark, the computer doesn't care about rotor position. Distributor placement IS critical for injector timing though, too far out, and the engine simply won't run, or, will run like crap. Unfortunately, to set fuel sync, you need a scan tool that can read it......
Yes but timing is traditionally a function based off cylinder 1, not at the coil. So the rotor not being placed right initially can cause problems at higher speed.
Yes but timing is traditionally a function based off cylinder 1, not at the coil. So the rotor not being placed right initially can cause problems at higher speed.
Oh, there is no doubt that initial setup is critical here. But, not for the traditional ignition timing reasons. There is a procedure in the service manual for correct setup of the dist, so that things are where they should be, then fuel sync needs to be set. If you just get it 'in the ball park'.... the engine will run, but INJECTOR timing will be off, not ignition timing.
I don't think that's entirely true on these trucks. PCM controls spark advance and retardation but if its not hitting the degree that the computer thinks it's hitting, then the timing would be off.
Originally Posted by jlowmiller
That's all the point I'm trying to make.
This is what I have been using as the basis for this particular debate. The implication here, is that moving the distributor, has some affect on spark advance. It doesn't. Moving the distributor will at most, cause the wrong cylinder to get spark, and/or throw off injector timing. You can't dial in ignition advance/retard by moving the distributor. You can't even set BASE ignition timing with the distributor. You set INJECTOR timing....... If you install the dist 'wrong'..... the timing advance will still follow the same curve, but, it won't necessarily be firing the correct cylinder, or, the correct injector.
This is getting more confusing than it really needs to be.
This is what I have been using as the basis for this particular debate. The implication here, is that moving the distributor, has some affect on spark advance. It doesn't. Moving the distributor will at most, cause the wrong cylinder to get spark, and/or throw off injector timing. You can't dial in ignition advance/retard by moving the distributor. You can't even set BASE ignition timing with the distributor. You set INJECTOR timing....... If you install the dist 'wrong'..... the timing advance will still follow the same curve, but, it won't necessarily be firing the correct cylinder, or, the correct injector.
This is getting more confusing than it really needs to be.
Well it does effect spark advance if its advanced past the correct cylinder.
Should have read, timing (in reference to typical placement on cylinder 1) can be effected by a rotated shaft when the spark advance, advances, past the point to where its closer to cylinder 8 than 1.
Well it does effect spark advance if its advanced past the correct cylinder.
Should have read, timing (in reference to typical placement on cylinder 1) can be effected by a rotated shaft when the spark advance, advances, past the point to where its closer to cylinder 8 than 1.
But, you aren't changing the timing of the event, you are just changing which cylinder the event takes place on. I suppose, the nit we are picking here is the difference between spark advance, and distributor advance.
I don't think that's entirely true on these trucks. PCM controls spark advance and retardation but if its not hitting the degree that the computer thinks it's hitting, then the timing would be off.
20 degrees advance on cylinder one, if it were past cylinder one, would be a totally different degree of retardation on cylinder eight.