I know what the base timing is for an EL i6 (10 deg Adv) But just want to make sure when to read the timing. I know about the self test mode but want to be sure on what part of the selft test mode to perform the check. Is it during the high rev stage or just after it? It only says in the sticky 1 min after self test starts.

Cheers...

the engine will rev up a bit then settle,,its when it has settled is the time to check it....and from memory it should be 10* before top dead centre.

You'll also find the time it takes for the engine to give you that telltale rev increase will vary - some may take a minute, others may take longer.

As mentioned, the engine will stumble and smooth out - that's when you should check, after that.

No worries i thought that may have been the case as the high revs only lasts for around 15 seconds but the whole test runs for about a min. Thanks for the replies.

I read that in diagnosis mode the timing zero degrees plus or minus two degrees. Check after the revs drop. You have 2 minutes.

I read that in diagnosis mode the timing zero degrees plus or minus two degrees. Check after the revs drop. You have 2 minutes.

I read that in diagnosis mode the timing zero degrees plus or minus two degrees. Check after the revs drop. You have 2 minutes.

I read that in diagnosis mode the timing zero degrees plus or minus two degrees. Check after the revs drop. You have 2 minutes.

Wow Commando, a bit button happy?

yeah thats how it should be done. also i noticed the sticky in here says 1 min but the gregory's manual says 2 minutes. i think with the ea it was a minute.

sticky says base timing should be set 10 degrees advanced.

these are the instructions acording to the gregory's manual.
actualy its alot different to the sticky.


(1) Drive the vehicle for a minimum of 3 km to stablilise the engine at normal operating tempreture.
(2) Switch the engine off and using a jumper lead, earth the self diagnosis input connector. Connect a timing light to the engine as previously described.
(3) Start the engine. The engine speed should increase to 1,300 - 1,600 rpm for a short period indicating that the ECU is in the self test diagnosis mode.
(4) Using the timing light, check that the notch on the crankshaft pulley is aligned with the IGN mark on the timing cover.
(5) If necessary, loosen the distributor clamp bolts and rotate the distributor untill the timing marks are aligned. Tighten the distributor clamp bolt securely.

NOTE: The timing must be checked and adjusted within 2 minutes of initiating the self test diagnostis mode. If more time is required, switch the engine off and wait for 15 seconds before repeating the procedure.

(6) Remove the jumper lead from the self diagnosis input connector and check that the timing marks have moved from the aligned position indicating that the timing is being controlled by the ECU.
(7) Switch the engine off and remove the timing light.

That does not apply to EL as the timing is set after the engine almost stalls (Approx 2 min after self test has started) I think the above procedure is EB to ED.

ah yeah it does sound different. the info is from an EA-ED manual

when i start the engine with the jumper attached on the EA it will have a realy low rpm and will allmost stall (and usualy does) for 3-4 seconds untill the high rpm kicks in. then after another 3 seconds the rpm levels out to normal idle speed. after that point i check the timing or make adjustments. 1 minute is plenty of time.