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I just completed a BP swap and for some reason my timing won't advance past 10 degrees. It also gives me some trouble starting sometimes. The VICS isn't hooked up either. There is a check engine light on. Is that cause of timing or the VICS? And what could the timing problem be? Thank you

is your timing belt installed correctly?

I made sure the notches on the 3 gears were all facing 12 noon. I'm pretty sure that's all that you need to do. Would that cause my timing to not advance past 10?

on my BPT you don't face all notches at 12:00. there is a Y shaped indent on the metal plate that is behind the belt, the notches for the cam gears line up with that, not 12:00. I'm guessing yours is the same as mine. after installing the belt you have to turn the crankshaft bolt 1.75 turns (if i remember correctly) before tightening the tensioner down. you may want to check a repair manual as it has been about 6 months since i did mine.

also there are 2 notches on each cam gear. make sure you use the I notch on the intake cam and the E notch on the exhaust cam.

does your car run? it seems like it wouldn't if the timing was off this far.

and yes this could cause your ignition timing to be way off.

My car will run but it takes some coaxing. Once it runs it's fine but the power SUCKS!!!! I checked the timing and then increased the idle and the timing stayed dead on 10 degrees. I'm at a complete loss

yea it definetly sounds like your timing belt is off, you are having power issues because the plug is firing before the valves are all the way closed.

did you look for the Y shaped indent by the cam gears?