Could someone tell me what the proper advance on an 8-valve 1.6L engine is please. My neighbor checked mine and it's 30 degrees advanced, does that seem right? Thanks in advance.

Found it, it's 8 degrees, I guess my 30 is just a tad off, LOL.

Firstly you need to freeze the timing by using a jumper in the diagnostic plug when checking it. Secondly you should check that the crankshaft pulley keyway isn't wrecked.

I knew about the jumper, but how do I know if the crankshaft keyway is wrecked??? Thanks.

If its that far out then you should be able to check it by verifying TDC with a screwdriver down the plug hole. Otherwise you'll need to take the pulley off but thats usually a bit of a pig of a job and you then need to retighten it to something like 95ft/lbs.

Okay, thanks Rhinoman. When my neighbor checked the timing, he didn't do it correctly, he didn't do the jumper, or hot idle, just put the gun on it, the rpm's were alot higher than 800, probably more like 1500 or so. I'll check it again on Sunday the proper way, if it's still that far out I will check the keyway, thanks for the response.

So.............checked the timing (properly this time) it was at 5 degrees, set it to 8, runs much better but not right. When it's idling hot, I set it to 800Rpms, after I drive it for a bit it idles at 1000-1200, reset it again, drive it and it changes. Timing stays at 8 degrees, still has no power and bad mileage. Starter was checked out, it's good but the Tracker doesn't turn over in a steady fashion, doesn't go to a high idle even in -12 weather. Starting to pull my hair out!! Also I tear alot of CV boots, any tricks to avoiding this? I'm not catching them on anything, they just tear!!