1988 740 Turbo timing problem

Dave K · Post by **Dave K** » 21 Sep 2013, 17:33

Need help with our 1988 740 Turbo. Last week it started running funky and over a few days and got to a point that it would not drive, would only start barely run and not spool up at all. We started trouble shooting it and saw that the timing belt was very old and loose so changed it out for a new one. After the belt change car ran the same as before. So we continued trouble shooting and in the process discovered if we take out the bolts that hold the distributer to the head and turn it about 20 degrees past the bolt holes the car will run properly. We have all the timing marks lining up and even pulled the number one plug and the distributer cap at the same time just to make 100% sure that number one was at TDC at the same time all the timing marks are lined up and the distributor is aimed in the direction of number one when the distributor is properly attached. We also had a pro mechanic look over the timing marks also and he said it is dead on.

Any idea what could be wrong???? Please help us.

Thanks

Dave

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 21 Sep 2013, 21:30

Is the crankshaft pulley slipping on the rubber between the pulley's inner hub and the outer ring? If the crankshaft pulley is slipping , the timing mark will move when using a timing light.

Dave K · Post by **Dave K** » 22 Sep 2013, 12:20

No we took out the number one plug and it was at TDC when the mark lined up.

We wound up making a bracket to allow the distributor to adjust way past the stock bolt holes and the car runs fine for now. We put a timing light on it and timed it to factory spec with the distributor in its new over twisted position.

Any idea what could be going on???

Thanks

Dave

Dave K · Post by **Dave K** » 22 Sep 2013, 13:32

Today we had to move the distributor another 10 degrees to get it timed. Then we took it out for a drive and it died. We unbolted the distributor to see if a timing change would get it running again. The only way we could get it to fire was too twist the distributor 45 degrees the other way. All the way the opposite side of the stock bolt holes.

Please help

Dave

Dave K · Post by **Dave K** » 22 Sep 2013, 17:31

Car is now running great with the distributor turned approximately 45 degrees from where it ran yesterday. Physical timing (timing belt, timing marks, TDC) is all still in place so this is all electronics.

Please post any ideas you might have on what the problem could be.

Thanks

Dave