Thread: Timing issue, timely warning

Originally Posted by snowbound

Took my RRC 3.5 efi to the local garage here in Canberra (garage is in Macgregor, not saying which one but be warned stay clear) gave them a list of things to do, gave them over a week to do them. They hopefully fixed the rear oil seal, and hopefully they changed the thermostat, then they all either quit or got sacked. Seriously!!. So I got my truck back and I am pretty sure the timing is out. No idea if the dizzy WAS remove or not, but it runs like crap now, was fine before. I Was taking it bush this Saturday, but that leaves tomorrow to sort and I am flat out at work. anyone any idea how I can get this sorted tomorrow? failing that I guess I ride shotgun in a jap truck and sort the timing out next weekend. Not sure how to set it up from scratch, not sure how they managed to stuff it up for that matter or even IF this is the issue. It's kind of reverse engineering someone else s stuff ups blind folded? Any advice or help appreciated.

$$$ waiting if u a wiz in the ACT with time on your hands tomorrow!

thanks in advance Jez

Well, this was written over a week ago, and yes, I had to ride shotgun in my mates Pajero (surprisingly capable!) My Rangie which I limped the 2 minute drive back to the garage is STILL THERE! There is a new mechanic, who seems more capable, however my truck is still not running. On top of this the owner who resides in Sydney let his feral kids run riot in the office and lost my keys. I had a spare ignition key but not door key, so they have removed the door lock to get it rekeyed. They have done various tests fuel pressure, power to injectors and still it won't go (apparently) I can't take it anywhere else as it won't budge, getting a bit frustrated now as its been there going on for 3 weeks and currently in a worse state than when it went in. (damned I wish I lived next door to Bee-Ute) Question now should I be seeking compensation for diabolical stuff up, what are my legal options should I want to use them? I want to give the new mechanic a fair go as it was not his fault, but by crikey I am at the end of my tether....

For less than $50 you could have bought a timing light and diagnosed your timing issue yourself. Mechanically adjusted distributors haven't been used in mainstream vehicles since the mid 80's so many mechanics simply don't know how to approach one. With appropriate tools and a decent workshop manual you could run rings around the average mechanic. Read well and get your hands dirty and learn.

Also worth checking the correct position of the ignition leads. Not the first time people get it wrong. m

These are relatively simple cars compared to modern vehicles for under 20 bucks you can get a Cd workshop manual on fleabay that you can give to whatever workshop you take car to so they can follow the manual. Makes life much easier if they have a manual

Originally Posted by bee utey

For less than $50 you could have bought a timing light and diagnosed your timing issue yourself. Mechanically adjusted distributors haven't been used in mainstream vehicles since the mid 80's so many mechanics simply don't know how to approach one. With appropriate tools and a decent workshop manual you could run rings around the average mechanic. Read well and get your hands dirty and learn.

Mate, I know this stuff! My problem is A) I am time poor, and I gave them a list of things to accomplish with their hoists and gear and they stuffed up at the first hurdle. I paid them, they stuffed it now they can fix it. If I had my old rangie with the carbs I would have fixed it myself but this EFI stuff I am so rusty on despite once having a city & guilds qualification in it! The big issue was the random overheating, this the new mechanic has traced back to a leaky expansion tank, the timing was a result of the previous mechanics negligence. IF indeed that is the issue???? When I know so will you and the forum!

Originally Posted by Meccles

These are relatively simple cars compared to modern vehicles for under 20 bucks you can get a Cd workshop manual on fleabay that you can give to whatever workshop you take car to so they can follow the manual. Makes life much easier if they have a manual

GR8 idea! Thanks

Understand and feel for you. A real PIA when so called professionals do a thorough job of stuffing it up. Good luck,

Get some manuals from HERE