318 Timing marks

[Shlbsnake]

I am working on a 96 318 and am having some driveability issues. I do believe it has to do with timing due to the fact when I go into set sync mode the engine clears up and what that does is ignore the advance. I checked the distributor gear with a hole gauge and it is smooth and about .0015-.002" in clearance from the shaft which is good. I pulled the timing cover off and with engine at TDC #1 on compression stroke both the cam and crank marks are at 12 o'clock. I am pretty sure that they are supposed to be at 12 (crank) and 6 (cam). However, with them both being keyed there is not really a way to be 180 off unless I am missing something. If I take the chain off and spin the cam the valve will not be in the correct position for compression. It has been a long day and my brain is fried so I am just trying to figure out if I am missing something simple? Thanks.
Tony

 

[jimt1971rr]

Just remember that the crank rotates twice for every one rotation of the cam. Both could look to be in the right position but have the crank one rotation out of sync.

 

[Shlbsnake]

Just remember that the crank rotates twice for every one rotation of the cam. Both could look to be in the right position but have the crank one rotation out of sync.

I have the left valve cover off so I can watch the valves. If I spin the crank anther revolution the marks are lined up at 6 and 12 but the piston is at TDC of exhaust stoke not compression. I am about 98% sure that it is just the way that this cam is and that it is right. I am thinking I have a PCM problem that is sending either a false fuel trim reading or a false advance reading which is causing the adaptives to go read - so it is dumping fuel. thanks for the reply

 

[jimt1971rr]

Just took a look at my Haynes Manual for my Grand Cherokee and it does say that with the 5.2 (318) that the #6 piston should be at tdc in the compression stroke with the camshaft timing mark at the 6 0'clock position. So it sounds like your setup right at far as the timing chain is concerned. Good Luck!