Nissan Repair: check timing on 1998 Nissan Altma 2.5 4 cyl., nissan altma, blown head gasket

Question
Hello: My friend (a qualified Mercedes Tech) r&r'd the head due to blown head gasket. When we restart after repair. Engine turns over very hard before starting. (definately feels like timing is too advanced) It runs Thanks in advance.!!

Answer
Robert,

I would check the timing from under the hood sticker.  If that is not available, just use a timing light to bump time the ignition to retard it until it is easy to start.  Now, that is assuming the battery is fully charged.  I like to bump time to get the maximum horsepower without the engine pinging.  So, buy the gas you normally purchase and since you say it bucks the starter, as in hard start, retard it one degree and then drive it.  If you loose power and it was not pinging while driving at a steady state with the air and headlights on then you have to decide if you like the power enough to put up with the bucking start condition.  If it is not pinging while driving and it still bucks the starter you might have a weak starter.  But, the timing should be something like 6 to 8 degrees before top dead center to start with.