M30 Cam Timing FAQ

There is some misunderstanding about timing the M30 motor. This FAQ should help the "I got the motor back together but it won't start" problem.

 

Below is a picture of the harmonic balancer with the crankshaft at top dead center. Note this occurs twice for every single rotation of the cam and distributor.

 

 

At TDC of #1 cylinder (compression stroke) the cam should be aligned as shown below:

 

 

Both valves on #1 cylinder should be closed (low spot on both cam lobes - this is important) and the distributor rotor should be pointed to #1 wire.

Timed like this, the engine should run. If idle is really low and smooth, it's likely you are one tooth off on cam timing.