New Distributor and now P1345 Code?

[kope]

I just installed a new distributor on my 97 5.7 Tahoe, the truck runs great but im pulling a P1345 code? my question is does anyone know if you can set the distributor with a timing light?
I know you usually use a OBDII scan tool that reads data streams, but i dont have access to one.

Thanks

 

[TigerEyz3]

Negative on the timing light... computer controlled. You might be off a tooth or two on the distributor gear (common since you replaced the distributor), might need to replace the distributor bushings if they are worn or allowing excessive movement, might need to replace the cam/crank sensor.

If everything is right mechanically, you'll need to flash the computer to reset it (crank relearn).

 

[haks310]

Where are you located?

 

[kope]

well i hope the distributor bushings aren't bad since its brand new.
I though i was off a tooth but when i either advanced or retarded a tooth the engine wouldn't idle.
how do you go about resetting the computer?

---------- Post added at 12:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 PM ----------

Where are you located?

IDK what this has to do with my situation but I'm located in Columbia Falls, MT
oh is this about access to a scan tool? i just found out that i may be able to access one so we'll see, hopefully i can.

 

[95TwinTT]

Pull the spark plug on #1 (drivers side front). Turn the engine by hand to find TDC. It should be obvious if you are within a few teeth. The rotor should be pointing at spark wire #1. If it’s pointing at #6 you are on the exhaust stroke and have to come around again.

Use something like a ty-rap to feel for the piston through the spark plug hole. Do not use anything that can break and leave a problem like a pencil.

When you get the crank set at TDC and the rotor is not pointed at #1, pull the distributor out and move it so it is…….

The computer cannot learn it’s way out of the distributor being physically out of sync.

No big deal, just use a flex bar with socket on the end of the crank to turn it around……… Someone else may have to be doing the feeling with the ty-rap, while being turned. Good luck.

 

[kope]

are there any marks on the harmonic balancer pulley to find TDC?

 

[97srad750]

IDK what this has to do with my situation but I'm located in Columbia Falls, MT

I believe he's offering to help if you were close.

 

[95TwinTT]

I have to believe there is a line on the harmonic balancer and a notch molded into the timing cover, but I don't have a 97 to verify that.

Either way, if you have the piston at the top of #1 and you can rock it back and forth to prove it, it has to be TDC if the rotor is anywhere near #1.

I'm guessing your off one tooth or so which is easy to do. When the distributor comes out, it turns the oil pump connection on the way out being a helical gear. It sometimes leaves the oil pump drive in position to select the next tooth. If you can see it is advanced too far, just move it back one tooth and hit the starter, just for an instant, to get it to drop all the way into the oil pump drive. Don't actually start it, just hit the starter for a second and then off.

Leave the plug out to check it if you want to be sure.

 

[haks310]

Yeah..if you were in Cali I would have been able to help you out.

IIRC correctly there should be a notch on the harmonic balancer on the Vortec engines. I wouldn't mess with it though until you get the scan tool though seeing as how the engine is able to start and idle.

 

[kope]

But when i move it either advance or retard the gear one tooth the truck wont run.

 

[95TwinTT]

There is no adjustment for timing according to the manual.

The OBDII is supposed to be able to find itself. If the gears are in sync with the cam, I would look elsewhere for the code violation.

What does code book say for P1345 ?

They mention checking the timing while disconnecting the EST wire. (Tan with black stripe). At idle with the EST unhooked, it should be showing the same timing listed on the Emissions Control Information label in the engine compartment.

 

[haks310]

Yeah you need the scan tool to either turn the distributor while the truck is idling and has reached operating temperature. Rev the RPMs to 1000, hold it there and adjust the timing while keeping your eye on the scan tool, should be + 2/-2 degrees.


You only unplug the EST wire when setting the timing on TBI engines.

 

[dsd4yk]

I drove my 99 for years with the service engine light on, turns out it was the camshaft position sensor in the distributor...go figure...

 

[kope]

well problem solved, i brought my Hoe over to my uncles shop and we hooked it up to his scan tool and got it all set. he said he's never had a problem with that code and sensor....but as soon as it was set i could audibly hear a difference in the engine...thanks guys for your Knowledge. on to my next topic, de-catting.

 

[haks310]

So the timing was off some?

 

[kope]

So the timing was off some?

no the timing is set via the crank sensor, and the PCM does it for you, the cam sensor was off, it was 4 degrees advanced, close but no cigarette. it needed to be @1000rpm's 0 +/- 2 kinda sucks that you have to have an expensive scan tool to do it tho.

 

[haks310]

LoL you know what I mean't.

Yeah, cheapest scan tool that will read cam retard is the AutoXray 6000, it is worth the $300 though.

 

[95TwinTT]

no the timing is set via the crank sensor, and the PCM does it for you, the cam sensor was off, it was 4 degrees advanced, close but no cigarette. it needed to be @1000rpm's 0 +/- 2 kinda sucks that you have to have an expensive scan tool to do it tho.

So what exactly was done to cure your 4 degree error? Software edit? Cam sensor replacement? Timing chain replacement?

 

[haks310]

You just hook up the scanner, let engine reach operating temperature, rev it up to 1000RPM and hold it there. Then you have a buddy turn the distributor until the scan tool gives you a reading of 0° +/- 2


Would be kinda of the same concept as setting the timing on a TBI