BMcEL

I have searched high and low for similar issues and found nothing. It's a 3VZE (sig) and it runs great, just trying to squeeze a little more power by advancing the ignition timing a hair more, which lead me to this. I adjusted it by ear a little quite some time ago but never put a light on it. I'll try to keep this short and sweet. When I try to check my timing, the mark slowly revolves around the crank pulley rather than remaining steady. In about a 4-5 second period, the timing mark literally makes a full circle around the crank pulley and just keeps on going around, slow and consistent. This makes it impossible to see where the timing is. I have tried my good ol' Craftsman timing light as well as a friend's Snap-on, so I don't think it's the light. I've heard that a bad IDL switch on the TPS can cause problems when setting the timing but I have tried disconnecting the TPS (should simulate throttle at idle position, right?). I should also mention that I have MSD super conductor plug wires, but I don't think this is an interference issue. This is what I've tried so far:

-- Transmission in park and neutral, no difference.
-- TPS connected and disconnected, no difference.
-- TE1 & E1 jumped and not jumped, no difference.
-- Disconnected plug wire to cylinder 1 and ran on 5, let it hang over the fender by the tire, and connected the pickup to the end (in an attempt to eliminate/reduce the possibility of interference). No difference.
-- All possible combinations of the items mentioned above.
-- Checked crank pulley and key, all good.

I'm at a loss here guys...any help is appreciated!

xxxtreme22r

someone just had an issue like this, it was a bad crank pulley/balancer. I'll see if I can find that thread. Don't think it was a 3vze though.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...nter+clockwise

BMcEL

Can't thank you enough! Apparently I need to brush up on my searching skills lol...that's pretty much exactly what I was trying to explain (with a lot less rambling). Thanks again man.

xxxtreme22r

no problem man. I hope it's the right solution for ya. As the crank pulleys new can't be that cheap, unless you grab a yard one.

Not saying that is your problem or not, but however unique as that's the only time I've seen that on here.

BMcEL

Ya a new one is right around $100. Based on what I've heard and the troubleshooting I've done, I'm almost certain the balancer is the problem. Make sense too when you think about it.

xxxtreme22r

I wonder if you were to draw a white line down the entire balancer and put a strobe light or even just the timing light on it you can see the two parts of the balancer rotate at different speeds.

This is also assuming the 3vz balancer is a two piece though. I don't know.

BMcEL

Since I forgot to update this...I finally replaced the balancer when I did the timing belt job. The old one literally separated into two pieces when I took it off (outer ring, inner hub). Now I don't have to set my timing by ear anymore lol. Engine runs much smoother/quieter now...couldn't believe how much of a difference it made.

Every aftermarket replacement I found was made by Dorman, so I found the best price (Autozone), then found one in stock (Knecht's). Price matched plus another 5% off...came out to $110 instead of the $169 they were originally asking and I didn't have to wait for it.