Took distributor out. Went through the process. #1 on compression. TDC. Move timing mark to 0. Align distributor as per picture in book. Start car. idle at 900. I know a bit high, cannot idle below that at this moment. My timing mark is off by 180 degrees???? engine is idling ...but kinda shaky...I still have #1 with an irregular rhythm in the timing light.(maybe this is throwing timing reading off?) I re-gaped my petronix unit. I will change my distributor cap tomorrow. Also best I can do for vacuum is 12 hg.
If it's a true 180* off means you don't have the compression stroke. I'd be surprised if a slipped balancer gave you more than 20* or 30* slip unless it actually looks like it's falling apart.
180 off....how can you tell with a light other than marking the spot it fires.... the book really means zero ! You have to have the #1 cylinder on the fire stroke in the timing range that you are trying to achieve with the distributor. try this......pull the #1 plug and valve cover, watch the valves to make sure the INTAKE is closing as the cylinder is rising. As the clyinder reaches the top ( or as close as you can guess ) ( note the timing mark). Put the distributor in so that the rotor points at the contact you have marked as #1 or slightly after. That will give you the best bet at finding a base point , not the picture in the book.
Here is what I did to make sure I am on compression stroke. Took a gauge for compression test, screwed into #1, removed gauge from hose, put a balloon on it...when the balloon started to inflate I new I was on compression stroke, when the ballon stopped inflating I assume TDC ( checked piston was at top.), then moved the timing mark to zero, lined up the distributor as per the shop manual, turned the key and it started. Am I missing something? If my outer ring slipped on the balancer I would not have been able to line up with zero as it would have been out by 180 or close after performing above.
Did the balloon stay inflated when you " stopped " or did it inflate and then go down ? If you have anywheres near a stock camshaft in there you WILL see some inflation AFTER BOTTOM DEAD CENTER. This would explain you being " 180 " off.
Tomorrow I will give your instruction a shot. Thanks. Remove valve cover....blah!!! I just got the darn thing to stop leaking. Oh well, another round with the RV silicon will be in order.
Im a little confused. The car started and ran right? That means the distributor is in correctly. If it were in 180 out, it wouldnt start and the engine would be spitting out of the carburetor. When you put the light on it, where is the mark? If its 180 out as you suspect, the mark would be under the car by the oil filter. So you would be holding the light under the car to see it? I assume you have the firing order right and the clip for the timing light on the driver's side, front wire? I hate asking stupid questions, so forgive me.
I assume TDC ( checked piston was at top.), then moved the timing mark to zero, lined up the distributor as per the shop manual, turned the key and it started. Am I missing something? If my outer ring slipped on the balancer I would not have been able to line up with zero as it would have been out by 180 or close after performing above.[/QUOTE] You said you moved the timing mark to zero. I don't understand what you mean or how you did this. Are you sure you have the correct #terminal for #1?
Your questions are valid. Yes the timing mark is located as you described. I was looking for it at the top and wondering where the hell did that thing go? So yes, under the car to see it. That car started immediately but runs with a miss. The clip for the timing light was on the number one plug which is located on the drivers side, first one from the left. Could I have been on the wrong plug? Maybe. I will try again tomorrow. Are my ignition wires in the right order? I will recheck as I had to pull all of them twice to get to TDC.
You said you moved the timing mark to zero. I don't understand what you mean or how you did this. Are you sure you have the correct #terminal for #1?[/QUOTE] My timing mark is at 180* off when the engine is running and the timing light is pointed at it. I moved the timing mark to zero after I had TDC, when you get there you are really close anyway, I just cranked the balancer till it lined up. Am I not supposed to do that?
holy smokes my head is spinning. if you want pm me and i will give you my number and when your doing it. you can call me so nothing is confused or forgotten.
OK. I am confused too. I may take the help that was offered.Or phone my Pops as he is a retired teacher who use to teach the journey man course at the trade school. Probably some basic 101 engine stuff I don't understand, I fumble my way through stuff but am no expert by far. I assume that every time that #1 piston reaches the top it fires...I think I assume wrong.
I'd fab up a piston stop to check your balancer and eliminate that possibility. If you're having problems with the #1 cylinder firing, as you mentioned in a different thread, the timing light won't be an effective way to tell where you're at.
as said before....FORGET THE BOOK. As long as you are FOR SURE ON TDC and THE distributor IS on the #1 plug ( and the firing order is correct on the distributor ) it will run. NOW if you have mechanical proble4ms ( jumped chain, spun balancer, broken something ) it WILL be in the ballpark of correct timing. THATS YOUR PROBLEM...The engine fires every OTHER STROKE one for intake one for exhaust.......... You have to have the #1 cylinder on the fire stroke in the timing range that you are trying to achieve with the distributor. try this......pull the #1 plug and valve cover, watch the valves to make sure the INTAKE is closing as the cylinder is rising. As the clyinder reaches the top ( or as close as you can guess ) ( note the timing mark). Put the distributor in so that the rotor points at the contact you have marked as #1 or slightly after. That will give you the best bet at finding a base point , not the picture in the book.
I was about to do the the same thing but he's off line now. mhgs is on the $ but it's hard to tell someone how to do this stuff on line. :TU: Ray
