Thanks for everyone's input on this matter. I found out that the distributor had been rotated approximately 180 degrees. I have since corrected it and replaced all plugs and wires (AC-Delco plugs and Accel 8mm wires). The engine now idles fine at 6 degrees BTDC. However, that has brought up a new problem. The engine now has no power (i.e. tries to die when I give it gas) when timing is set according to specs. If I advance the timing (as much as 15 degrees or so) it will run like a scalded ape and break loose the rear end through three gears. While this is fun, something is still not "right".
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Re: Timing Mark
If you timed 6degrees with the vacuum advance disconnected and the intake line plugged, the problem is either sticking mechanical advance, dead vacuum advance, or 50 octane gas (provided you are getting gas). - Dave... P.S. Did you rotate the distributor 180degrees or the distributor gear on the distributor shaft? -
Re: Timing Mark
Forgot to disconnect the vacuum advance and plug the line. I'll try that tonight. Thanks.Comment
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Re: Timing Mark
Also - the gear on the distributor is easily turned around by driving out the roll pin. I hope you turned that 180, and not the entire distributor drive(which will work, but the wiring at the cap is not factory correct). - DaveComment
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Re: Timing Mark
I actually pulled the distributor out and rotated it.Comment
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Re: Timing Mark
If you know the correct position for the distributor, cap and wire placement (in the cap) and the distributor now looks like that - that's good. If not, and it's 180 off, pull the distributor, punch out the roll pin, and replace the gear after turning it 180. You will have to turn the oil pump drive with a long screwdriver - so that it aligns to where the distributor shaft ends up as you twist it into the hole. If the distributor cap and correct wire positions are only off a little, then pull the distributor, turn the oil pump drive by the amount needed, and reinstall the distributor. The correct position is important for wire lenghts to the various plugs, and to working clearance to service other parts. With the timing set 6btc (with the vacuum disconnected), the cap and wires should look like a factory installed job. If you have the GM gear on a GM distributor shaft, one of the othe replies mentioned something about a dimple on the gear that tells which way to mount it. I mark mine with magic marker as I remove it for service, so I have never been aware of a dimple. - DaveComment
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Re: Timing Mark
Thanks for all the inputs. I'm running at 6btdc now. In the future I'll remember to pull and plug the vacuum line before setting the timing, too! ;-)Comment
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