'85 245 timing mark strobes @ 90 deg

[Mr Sabetodo]

What does it mean when the strobe light shows the timing mark at 90 deg (+/-) counter-clockwise for #1. The plug wires are routed right, the timing belt marks are correct. The rotor aligns with the hash mark. It runs much better when the distributor anchor bolt is removed and the distributor is rotated clockwise past the limit of the anchor bolt slot. If I continue to rotate it, the strobe mark moves back to the 12.5 deg mark where technically it should be. It also runs better if the vacuum tube to the ICU is disconnected. The car dies when put in gear. Having usually worked on cars w/ mechanical points, I'd say this whole scenario is impossible. How can I test the ICU?

[93Regina]

this whole scenario is impossible.

Crank, oil pump drive sprocket, cam, and distributor must be all in alignment when timing belt is installed. Four items must be in their place.

On B230F, there are two marks down there around harmonic balancer, one is the right one. When piston one is on TDC, the distributor's rotor will point to spark hole #1

Lookup "Screwed the Pooch."

[Mr Sabetodo]

People keep telling me that. After 6 months I've truly gone through it & it lines up just like the Bentley manual says. It idles fine but only accelerates right when the vacuum hose to the ICU is disconnected. So how can I test the ICU? (No spam please)

[jimmy57]

The first thing to do is to verify the timing mark on harmonic balancer. Those are notorious for slipping on B230Fs. You can break the guts out of an old spark plug and then epoxy a wooden dowel that is a snug fit into spark plug body with 1 to 1 1/4 inch sticking past end of park plug threads.
Screw that into #1 spark plug hole n head. Turn engine clockwise until it stops on the dowel. Mark the balancer with grease pencil or paint at pointer. Now turn engine counterclockwise until it stops on dowel and mark that spot. The timing mark should be dead center betweem your marks. If not make a mark there for temporary use for setting timing and diagnosing what is wrong. That marked point will move again after engine runs for a while. If the correct mark is not centered you will need a harmonic balancer.

[Mr Sabetodo]

thanks I'll try that. I have doubts that's it because I just replaced the belt drive gear and checked that the gear & balance fit together well.

[93Regina]

I'll try that

Best pictorial I've seen is here, and you can download a PDF of this html page.

Examine "Markings on intermediate shaft gear."

If front of engine represented North, and rear of engine South, then if you pop off distributor cap, the rotor should point at around 10 degrees (North-East). I don't think you considered Intermediate shaft's markings if your cam/crank was lined up.

Everything is there, nothing else is needed.

[93Regina]

I'll try that..

Volvo Special Tool Designs

See:

B230F Crank Holder Tool-Method 1
B230F Crank Holder Tool-Method 2

[Mr Sabetodo]

I don't have a plug with threads that match so I lined up the timing mark w/ TDC on the cover and looked inside with my cheap boroscope from amazon. it appears to be 1/2 tooth off but that's perspective because I couldn't see straight down because the distributor drive wheel is in the way. Everyone I've talked with seems to think that it's a fault of alignment. I'm 99.9% sure that it isn't. This engine has 3 computers and several sensors that will put it into limp-home mode. I think Its one of them and I've replaced all but one (under the glovebox) because it looked new. The replacements were from ebay so it's possible they're bad too. sadly I don't know which one & I'd rather not replace them all again. I suspect the one on the right wheel well because it controls timing. Is there a way to test it?

[jimmy57]

Next step is to take off the ignition CU from the RH inner fender and then take off the cover, clean off the gel from the back side of connector and then inspect for loose pins. Solder them all regardless as they will come loose if they aren't already.
Inspect the harness connector for spread female terminals.

[Mr Sabetodo]

what's the gel made of? is it possible to replace it?