Is m20 ignition timing adjustable?

[Raven Tooth]

This is my whole question: Is m20 ignition timing adjustable?

I've narrowed down my problem to a few possibilities and I think ignition timing could be one of them. Just want to know if it's adjustable, since if it isn't I can rule it out. Thanks.

[blocke]

To my knowledge, and guys feel free to correct me if im wrong, but I believe timing is controlled by the DME, and is not user adjustable. New cam gears that offer a few degrees of adjustment are the only way I know of to change the timing in a manual sense.

[blueapplesoda]

To my knowledge, and guys feel free to correct me if im wrong, but I believe timing is controlled by the DME, and is not user adjustable. New cam gears that offer a few degrees of adjustment are the only way I know of to change the timing in a manual sense.

Cam gears can only change cam timing, not ignition timing.

And to answer OP's question, there is no easy mechanical way to adjust timing like on domestic/japanese cars with dizzys

[Raven Tooth]

So does this mean I should be able to safely rule out my ignition timing being off as the cause of my problem? The previous owner put in a new cap and rotor. He couldn't have thrown off ignition timing by doing this, could he?

[SpecM]

So does this mean I should be able to safely rule out my ignition timing being off as the cause of my problem? The previous owner put in a new cap and rotor. He couldn't have thrown off ignition timing by doing this, could he?

no, those parts only go on one way

[jlevie]

Ignition timing is controlled by the DME, as stated above, and is not adjustable w/o changing the software in the DME. The cam, cam sprocket, and distributor rotor are aligned via keys and thus can't be in error unless the timing belt is incorrectly installed.

[Raven Tooth]

OK great, I think I can rule that out then. I just hope the previous owner didn't change anything in the DME. Thanks guys.

[hella 325]

I have had the cam gear slip on the cam, it broke the pin that went in the cam and it slipped just a little throwing the cam and ignition timing off, when I was having the a start issue a few years back no one said it was possible. But, I proved em wrong. I have heard of it happening to 2 other people, may just want to double check.

[treff-7]

OK great, I think I can rule that out then. I just hope the previous owner didn't change anything in the DME. Thanks guys.

what problem do you have? we might be able to help you find it faster.

about changing rotor and cap. i changed mine one time and after a few days the engine started to misfire when i pushed the accelerator a bit harder. i changed and tested everything i could think about but it didn't go away. then i thought it was a problem with the injector so i changed all of them and the filters but didn't help. i gave up and took it to my mechanic. well... i turned out to be a cracked distributor cap. i didn't ever think about it because it was brand new. i was ashamed but learnt my lesson.

[Raven Tooth]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=162651

Here is the link to another thread where I posted my original problem. Things have progressed since I first posted so you can probably just start at my most recent post.