'96 Rough idle problem

[iceman9795]

OK, I am new to this KIA stuff, but have been working on my own cars ever since I have owned one. I have recently aquired a 96 Sportage, it idles like it is running on 3 cyl, no check engine light, changed plugs- NGK gapped to .030, has no shortage of power when driving but feels like it is missing up to about 1500 rpm. pulled top cover off of timing belt and looked at marks on pulleys, I have read a few places in this forum that the I on the intake and the E on the exaust should be lined up at 12oclock with crank key at 12ok, both of the pulleys on the top have an I - E & S, they are all lined up on both pulleys, when the crank is a 12 both of the I's are at 12.
Also it starts up very easy when cold but takes alot of cranking once the engine warms up. I have checked all of the vacuum hoses.
Also have noticed slight valve clatter on acceleration at low rpms.
I need some suggestions.....

[MrVette]

Having both of the I at 12oclock/TDC should make the car not run at all. Are you certain that you don't have an I and an E at TDC when the crank is set at TDC checking the crank without turning it at all? That would be the correct positioning of them at the same time.
Both of the sprockets are the same (cost saving) and you will find as you turn the crank that they will switch sides for alignment on each turn. But you should always have one of each at crank TDC.

Also look here for correct positioning of the sprockets on the cams;
http://www.kia-forums.com/1g-1994-20...ous-kia-2.html

With a little luck the holes in the washers will be over the cam pegs to verify their possition. I think the factory sets them that way??? I did on mine so any-one looking later can see easily.
And it is easier to install the belt if the pasanger side cam is set at I TDC and the other at E. But as Ron says it doesn't sound like a belt timing issue.

[ron1004]

The fact that you mention your performance above idle speed is good, makes me think that there's no problem with your valve timing - more likely a problem with bad ignition coils or HT wires.

Here's good pictures showing the timing marks, and you'll find a good description on the Kiatech web site.

http://www.kiatechinfo.com/data/manu...G/bc77080a.gif

http://www.kiatechinfo.com/data/manu...G/bc77080b.gif