Camshaft timing?

To adjust the timing, loosen the distributor holding bolts and rotate clockwise or anticlockwise it to get the desired ignition timing.

This will help

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/nissan/pickup/1989

You need the marker on the timing belt cover to get the correct timing. Without the marks, you would have to remove the pulley to check the crank pulley timing mark for TDC and then make your mark on the cover.

On the pulley, the first mark on the left of pulley is 0 with increment of 5 degrees.

Ignition timing should be 10-14 degrees at 650-800 rpm.

The pinging indicates the ignition timing is most likely too advanced.

The Knock sensor might not be retarding the timing when it senses detonation/spark knock

Hi there,

Thank you for the donation.

Make sure that the cam caps are in there correct order(can they be mixed up?) Or are they set in the rocker gear? I don't have a pic of this engine to hand just as I type, I will a bit later. Also if the old head was over heated the cam may be bent if the head was warped severely, I would start with checking that the cam is running true first.

Mark (mhpautos)

Hope that help

let me know

Installation

1. Ensure number one cylinder is at TDC on compression stroke. Install crankshaft sprocket, oil pump drive gear and oil thrower (if removed). Mating marks on crankshaft sprocket must face front and large inner chamfered area of oil pump drive gear must face engine rear.

2. Place timing chain on camshaft sprocket. One silver colored link on chain must be aligned with number two dot on outer camshaft sprocket. The second silver link on chain must align with dot on crankshaft sprocket.

3. Install camshaft sprocket and timing chain. Ensure number two hole on camshaft sprocket is fitted to camshaft knock pin. Install timing chain guide and tension-er on right side of timing chain. Ensure chain guide is installed tight against chain.

4. Install chain guide on left side of timing chain. Adjust the protrusion of chain tension-er and chain guide to zero. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. With components installed, slowly rotate crankshaft to ensure pistons do not interfere with valves.

The so called silver links could be slightly darker in shade. I they are covered in oil, it would be difficult to distinguish, wipe them clean and dry and you should be able to differentiate.

I could not find any reference on the distributor installation but what you have would mean the distributor is 180 degrees off. Before you do anything, ensure the number four cylinder valve are overlapped.

TDC can mean beginning of compression or intake stroke.

If markings are correct and distributor needs to be reinstalled, pull it out. There is a punxh mark on the distributor end gear. On housing there is a detent or triangular arrow mark. Match the two points and you have the rotor at number one firing position. Plug distributor in, remember to note the position of the holding bolt. The rotor would turn slightly when it goes in due to the gear sliding in.
With number one cylinder at TDC on compression stroke.

One more diagram for you.

Guess someone had the timing wrong by a tooth or two and decided to change the location of the number one cylinder. It is okay, it would still work without any problem. Important thing is the timing chain is installed correctly.

You would need to run the camsnaft to get them right. Move piston away from TDC and get the camshaft timing correct before turning the crankshaft to TDC position.

TIMING BELT
Removal

1. Release fuel pressure from fuel delivery system. Raise and support vehicle. Remove right wheel and engine side cover. Lower vehicle. Drain cooling system. Remove cooling fan duct. Remove engine coolant reservoir. Remove actuator. Remove radiator hoses.
DO NOT allow coolant to contact drive belts.

2. Remove front upper and lower belt covers. See Fig. 5. Remove drive belts. Set No. 1 cylinder at TDC of compression stroke. Remove idler bracket of compressor drive belt and crankshaft pulley. Remove timing belt by removing timing belt tensioner and return spring.

Installation

1. Confirm that piston No. 1 is at TDC of compression stroke. Remove valve covers and loosen all rocker shaft bolts. DO NOT bend timing belt. Install tensioner and return spring.

2. Turn tensioner clockwise and temporarily tighten lock nut. Install timing belt. Align White lines on timing belt with punch mark on camshaft pulleys and crankshaft pulley. Arrow on timing belt must be pointing toward front belt covers.

3. Slowly turn tensioner with Allen wrench clockwise and counterclockwise 2 or 3 times. When camshafts and crankshaft marks are aligned, tighten tensioner lock nut. See Fig. 6. Ensure that camshaft lobes are correctly positioned. Tighten rocker shaft bolts in 2 stages. To complete installation, reverse removal procedures.