Adjusting timing (First Time)

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05-30-2008, 07:07 PM
apariah

Adjusting timing (First Time)

My miata failed inspection, I'll probably try and get a new cat for it tomorrow, but the tech mentioned it was running rich. I'd like to try advancing the timing, but I have no clue how to do it properly. I read a couple of write ups, but they mentioned using an external tach. What wire do I have to tap to get an RPM signal, and where an getting power since the miata's battery is in the back.

I'm hoping to do this on my own, but if its a not safe for a beginner kind of thing I'll take it someone. I want to borrow a timing light from a buddy, or pick one up form autozone tonight.
05-30-2008, 07:57 PM
channelmaniac

Fix yer profile...

Quote:

Year and color of your Miata(s): Don't have one yet

Knowing what year you have would be helpful. I'm over in Lewisville and have a timing light.
05-30-2008, 08:26 PM
apariah

I just fixed my profile, its a Red 92. The reason I was wanting to do it my self, is I've had bad experiences with traffic cops here in The Colony, so I was wanting to drive the car as little as possible until its totally legal. I'd like to adjust the timing before my wife takes it to get inspected again in the morning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by channelmaniac

Fix yer profile...

Knowing what year you have would be helpful. I'm over in Lewisville and have a timing light.
05-30-2008, 08:58 PM
creek

http://www.miata.net/garage/ignition.html
05-30-2008, 09:26 PM
POS Racing

What were your numbers on the inspection? How high was the NOX?

Kicking back the timing to 10 deg. has helped more that one '92 around here get a clean bill of health from the inspector.

Why are you having the wife doing the inspection you under house arrest or something??
05-30-2008, 10:53 PM
Rogue

Timing 10*

Put a bottle of CRC....(Whatever the little red bottle of cleaner is called)
Available at NAPA, OOO"Reily's, Autozone etc.

Run the car for 20 minutes on the freeway, and have it inspected hot.
05-30-2008, 11:33 PM
apariah

My Numbers

High Speed RPM 2216
HC(PPM ) 211 Fail
CO .82 Pass
CO2 13.4
O2 1.0
NOx (ppm) 2814 Fail
Dilution 14.2

Low Speed RPM 1872
HC(PPM ) 238 Fail
CO .91 Pass
CO2 13.2
O2 1.2
NOx (ppm) 3138 Fail
Dilution 14.1

I don't like really like driving the car during the day since its not inspected but I took it out and ran though a bottle of RXP. So my wife wouldn't have to worry about that tommorow. I have to be in Plano early Saturday, so my wife is taking the car to get a new cat and reinspected. Since she works for LISD the shop installing the cat is giving her a fairly nice discount. I also think part of the reason she volunteered is because she likes driving my little car that she tried to talk me out of buying.

I'd like to say the RXP actually may have made a difference, but I think its purely psychological, I'm sure I shouldn't feel a difference after that little bottle. I want to give the timing adjustment a try as well, but that will have to wait.

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

What were your numbers on the inspection? How high was the NOX?

Kicking back the timing to 10 deg. has helped more that one '92 around here get a clean bill of health from the inspector.

Why are you having the wife doing the inspection you under house arrest or something??
05-31-2008, 05:41 AM
tailchaser

With the huge HC number, wouldn't that likely be a bad O2 sensor?

BTW... I'm disappointed in the rest of you guys... I mean... the title of this thread is awfully suggestive... I was really expecting some serious, high quality MME thread drift....
05-31-2008, 09:15 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by tailchaser

With the huge HC number, wouldn't that likely be a bad O2 sensor?

BTW... I'm disappointed in the rest of you guys... I mean... the title of this thread is awfully suggestive... I was really expecting some serious, high quality MME thread drift....

Come on we jumped the shark earlier and we just need some time to recover! ::Banana::

You are such a slave driver! ;)
05-31-2008, 02:18 PM
apariah

No Cat

Its done the car passed. Someone hollowed out the original cat, causing those number. When they retested it with a cat, the car was fine. Live and learn I guess.

Thanks for all the info, I think I would like to get the timing adjusted soon.

Thanks Guys.

Jherich

Quote:

Originally Posted by tailchaser

With the huge HC number, wouldn't that likely be a bad O2 sensor?

BTW... I'm disappointed in the rest of you guys... I mean... the title of this thread is awfully suggestive... I was really expecting some serious, high quality MME thread drift....
05-31-2008, 02:32 PM
creek

Congrats! It is so great that my cars are registered in my home county and that there are currently no testing requirements. It can't last but it's cool now.