Retarded ignition timing

Old Jan 26, 2026 | 01:09 AM
  #1  
Cdatar's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default Retarded ignition timing

Hi all,
I have a 1986 240 that the other day I started it. I would idle OK but when I tried to accelerated it barely moved.
Checked fuel pressures-all OK, but I replaced both pumps & filters as they were original pumps & very old filter.
I checked the cam belt timing, all OK.
Replaced vacuum hoses & cleaned throttle body & Idle Air Control
AMM Cleaned & C0% set
Cleaned Flame trap
Checked & set Throttle position sensor
Found when I connected a vacuum gauge to the manifold it was running around -12"Hg.
I adjusted the timing until I got -19"Hg but I had to turn the distributor fully anti clockwise, about 20 degrees to achieve this.
I put a timing light on it & it was now running at 12 degrees BTDC & would accelerate very nicely.
My concern is what could change the timing that dramatically overnight.
I have also checked the vacuum to the ICU at 1500rpm, it changes when I remove the vacuum.
I disconnected the Coolant Temp Sensor & the timing changed as it should
Changed coil, still the same.
Disconnected Knock sensor, still the same.
Remove distributor & checked gear retaining pin all OK.
Install distributor 1 tooth around but this only put at the other extreme, fully clockwise to get timing at 12degrees BTDC.
Harmonic balancer & cam timing belt have both been replaced last year
Decayed wiring replaced about 6 months ago
Not sure what else to test as everything seems to be in order.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Cheers Peter
 

Last edited by Cdatar; Jan 26, 2026 at 01:19 AM. Reason: added in more info
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2026 | 08:13 AM
  #2  
act1292's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,792
Likes: 52
Default

My concern is what could change the timing that dramatically overnight
Could it be that your timing belt slipped a tooth? When was the timing belt changed?
 
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2026 | 08:28 AM
  #3  
Cdatar's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by act1292
Could it be that your timing belt slipped a tooth? When was the timing belt changed?
Hi act1292,
Timing belt replaced a year ago, probably 5000klms.along with a new tensioner
I have the top timing cover off & all timing marks align.with marks on the block
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
edvard
Volvo 240, 740 & 940
20
Aug 9, 2020 05:44 PM
Dagaan
Volvo 240, 740 & 940
4
Oct 8, 2019 11:33 AM
fredbyte
Volvo 240, 740 & 940
18
Aug 5, 2017 12:18 PM
im4rcn
Volvo 240, 740 & 940
2
Mar 10, 2010 10:55 AM
undercoverwalrus
Volvo 240, 740 & 940
9
Sep 25, 2007 07:26 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:12 PM.