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John Bartgis Posted on Apr 20, 2013
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What is the base timing for a 1989 5.7L w/TPI and how to set it?

It has a remote coil HEI. I have set the timing by ear but I read that this could cause the code 42 (EST). If I can properly set the timing then the ECM will control the advance. The engine has an aftermarket cam (494l 290d) and shorty headers.

1 Answer

Bill Boyd

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  • Cars & Trucks Master 53,816 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 20, 2013
Bill Boyd
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Joined: Jan 04, 2013
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Set the timing of the timing marks on the pulley. Set to factory and the cpu will adjust to the correct setting for engine rpm. Cams still run in the middle of the engine stroke . They only alter the timing that the valves open and close periods. Headers only allow the easier passage of the gasses

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 353 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 20, 2009

SOURCE: Code 42 set on an '88 Camaro w TBI.Also very

listen to fuel pump w/ key on , if you hear a spraying sound, you may have a split hose in the tank

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Mustgo

Vincent G

  • 2363 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 12, 2009

SOURCE: 2001 Miata check engine light on. [cause is P0012]

The cam angle sensor need to be replace. Once it's cooked it will never the same.

Have to consider moving to synthetic oil (Like Amsoil) or remove the front license plate (please check state regulation first).

=====

I'm using Amsoil Synthetic
10W-30 in summer and 5W-30 in winter

Use 65/35 Amsoil coolant mix ration instead of 50/50

Removing the license plate does help air flow.

Clean junk collect in front of the A/C condenser and radiator.

Check radiator cap's plastic gasket.
Get a Rad-Cap

Check/Clean the ECU contacts with CRC electronic part cleaner,

@ 85,000+ miles be prepare for timing belt + water pump change.

Clean / change temp sensor ///// monitor electric fan for operation.


Cam sensor can not be overheated.

<230 F is ideal

I listed everything that can keep the motor cool.



Please rate my answer if it's helpful to you.


Cheers,

MUSTGO

Molson02536

Harvey N Tawatao

  • 3854 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 10, 2010

SOURCE: I have a 1992 gmc

CODE 42 Trouble Code 42 indicates that there may be a malfunction in the Electronic Spark Timing (EST) system.
During cranking, the timing is controlled by the ignition module while the ECM monitors the engine speed. When the engine speed exceeds 400 RPM, the ECM sends a BYPASS signal to the ignition module which switches the timing to ECM control. The ECM calculates what the timing should be then "tells" the ignition module via the EST circuit.
An open or ground in the EST circuit will stall the engine and set a Code 42. The engine can be re-started but it will run on ignition module timing.
The conditions for setting this code are:

  • System in BYPASS mode but the ignition module is still controlling timing
    - or -
  • Engine speed > 600 RPM with no EST pulses (ECM controlled timing) going to the ignition module for 200 msec.


Typical causes for this code include:
1) BYPASS line is open or grounded
2) EST line is open or grounded
3) PROM or CALPACK not seated properly in the ECM
4) Poor connections between ignition module and ECM
5) Poor routing of EST harness and/or poor quality ignition wires (EMI induced electrical noise)
6) Faulty or incorrect ignition module
7) Faulty ECM


Thank you for using fixya and keep us posted

John Jon

  • 1114 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 04, 2011

SOURCE: 1987 GMC R1500 2WD Have replaced all electronics

Hello best solution have a scan completed at the dealer ship to pin point your trouble the usual cost is from $25.00 to $75.00 as mentioned guessing could be one of many things that could amount to hundreds of unnecessary dollars.A scan would be the best solution

honeymokey

honeymokey

  • 3113 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 02, 2011

SOURCE: i get a code 42

"Code 42" would indicate that the Electronic Spark Timing (EST) signal did not change when the ECM applied bypass voltage to the ignition module. Check for faulty connections, or a faulty ignition module.

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Hi, I have pasted the procedure below. Your spec is 0 degrees (right at TDC).


CHECKING AND ADJUSTMENT

HEI Systems

  1. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. Stop the engine and connect the timing light to the No. 1 (left front) spark plug wire, at the plug or at the distributor cap. You can also use the No. 6 wire, if it is more convenient. Numbering is illustrated in this section.

Do not pierce the plug wire insulation with HEI; it will cause a miss. The best method is an inductive pickup timing light.
  1. Clean off the timing marks and mark the pulley or damper notch and timing scale with white chalk.
  2. Disconnect and plug the vacuum line at the distributor on models with a carburetor. This is done to prevent any distributor vacuum advance. On fuel injected models, disengage the timing connector which comes out of the harness conduit next to the distributor, this will put the system in the bypass mode. Check the underhood emission sticker for any other hoses or wires which may need to be disconnected.
  3. Start the engine and adjust the idle speed to that specified on the Underhood Emissions label. With automatic transmission, set the specified idle speed in Park. It will be too high, since it is normally (in most cases) adjusted in Drive. You can disconnect the idle solenoid, if any, to get the speed down. Otherwise, adjust the idle speed screw.

The tachometer connects to the TACH terminal on the distributor and to a ground on models with a carburetor. On models with fuel injection, the tachometer connects to the TACH terminal on the ignition coil. Some tachometers must connect to the TACH terminal and to the positive battery terminal. Some tachometers won't work with HEI.


WARNING Never ground the HEI TACH terminal; serious system damage will result.

  1. Aim the timing light at the pointer marks. Be careful not to touch the fan, because it may appear to be standing still. If the pulley or damper notch isn't aligned with the proper timing mark (see the Underhood Emissions label), the timing will have to be adjusted.

TDC or Top Dead Center corresponds to 0°B, or BTDC, or Before Top Dead Center may be shown as BEFORE. A, or ATDC, or After Top Dead Center may be shown as AFTER.
  1. Loosen the distributor base clamp locknut. You can buy trick wrenches which make this task a lot easier.
  2. Turn the distributor slowly to adjust the timing, holding it by the body and not the cap. Turn the distributor in the direction of rotor rotation to ******, and against the direction of rotation to advance.
  3. Tighten the locknut. Check the timing again, in case the distributor moved slightly as you tightened it.
  4. Reinstall the distributor vacuum line or the timing connector. Correct the idle speed.
  5. Stop the engine and disconnect the timing light.
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Nedd to test coil on an 89 chevy 2500, dont know parameters

PICK-UP COIL (HEI)

1. Isolate 2 pick-up coil lead wires. Remove pick-up coil connector from module. Connect ohmmeter to either terminal and ground. See Fig. 4 . Connect pump and apply vacuum to test vacuum advance unit. Replace vacuum advance unit if inoperative. Connect ohmmeter to pickup coil terminals. Operate vacuum pump and observe ohmmeter throughout the vacuum range.

2. Attach ohmmeter to one pick-up coil terminal and distributor housing. Set ohmmeter to middle scale. Operate vacuum advance throughout vacuum range. Reading should be infinite at all times. If not, replace pick-up coil. See Meter "A" in Fig. 4 .

3. Connect ohmmeter leads to pick-up coil connector terminals. Operate vacuum pump to ensure proper operation throughout vacuum range. Flex terminal wires by hand to check for possible intermittent defects in wiring or connectors. Pick-up resistance should be 500-1500 ohms. If resistance is incorrect, replace pick-up coil. See Meter "B" in Fig. 4 .

NOTE: Activation of the vacuum advance may align trigger wheel tooth and pick-up coil pole piece causing ohmmeter pointer to deflect. This
deflection should not be diagnosed as a faulty pick-up coil.

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Thats it you just plug the three wire pigtail from the dist. base(pickup) to the cap and you are off.
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