4A-F timing - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

89SR5 · 09-03-2005, 02:27 PM

Howdy! I will try to keep this brief. I bought a 1989 Toyota Corolla SR5 . It had a bad knock in it . I found a matching 4A-F carbureted on E-Bay . A buddy of mine installed it . Timing: The illustration in the manual shows the installing marks on the 4A-FE cam gears meeting in the middle . On both my engines with number one on TDC both marks are at the top. 12 o’clock . To get it to run I have to turn the distributor so far counter clock wise I run out of slot for the tighten down bolt. The marks on the crank line up at TDC. I was told the distributor may be worn out ??

Flashmn · 09-03-2005, 02:49 PM

Doesnt sound like a worn out distributor, they dont really wear out.
You have to set the timing on the dizzy without vacuum advance to get it right. With a timing light check so that its 5deg btdc.

ZXT · 09-05-2005, 04:22 AM

Hi Flashmn, when you say vacuum advance you mean the 2 hoses from the dizzy right? Do I need to take both hoses off and plug them? Or just one? Also do I take the hose off from the dizzy side or carb side?

Thanks in advance.

Flashmn · 09-05-2005, 08:34 AM

Both and plug them, take them from the dizzy side that way you can actually plug them. Then set the timing to 5btdc and re-isntall the hoses.

deekay140 · 09-05-2005, 12:36 PM

the gears dont go to 12 o'clock, they are cocked in a little, there should be a notch out of the timing cover to show where the notch on the cam gears line up. there is a dimple in the crank pulley and a nipple on the timing cover for the bottom setting also....

I am assuming this is a 4age, with the dual cam gears.

ZXT · 09-05-2005, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmn

Both and plug them, take them from the dizzy side that way you can actually plug them. Then set the timing to 5btdc and re-isntall the hoses.

Ok just wanna make sure so I took pics of my engine bay

I think it should be the first pic right?

Flashmn · 09-05-2005, 11:37 PM

No, you take the hoses off from the distributor side, otherwise you cant plug them and you have an intake vacuum leak = it wont run properly and you'd detonate it, because you're getting unmetered air in the engine through those hoses.

ZXT · 09-06-2005, 12:35 AM

So this is the correct pic right? Hoses are off from the dizzy side.

Flashmn · 09-06-2005, 05:18 AM

Yeah, but you need to plug the hoses with something.

89SR5 · 09-06-2005, 10:44 PM

So why do I have to turn the distributor so far counter clock wise that i run out of slot adjustment. It runs in this position and the timing marks line up. I'm ready to cut the end of the slot so I can put in the set bolt and run it there. ?? It is the 16 valve DOHC

ZXT · 09-07-2005, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmn

Yeah, but you need to plug the hoses with something.

Ok thanks.

Flashmn · 09-07-2005, 07:10 AM

Quote:

It is the 16 valve DOHC

All toyota corolla 16valvers are DOHC.

Quote:

So why do I have to turn the distributor so far counter clock wise that i run out of slot adjustment.

I dont know. but thats not normal.

89SR5 · 09-07-2005, 12:54 PM

I can tear up a Big Block Chevy but I'm new to Toyota's. Something must be out of line but not sure where to start looking. ??

Flashmn · 09-07-2005, 02:07 PM

You sure the distributor isnt 180deg off?

White89SR5 · 09-07-2005, 05:23 PM

This is off topic but I was looking at your engine bay pictures and was wondering is that a stock distributor cap. I wanted to know because I have the same car (1989 SR5) and my cap and wires are one unit!! If it is not stock what brand is it and have you seen any improvments from that set up? Sorry for getting off topic , but thanks for any info!!