i got the motor put back together finally. I got the engine lined up on no.1 at TDC and dropped in the distributor. Everything looked good. I diconnected the EST wire and started it up. Now here's the problem I can't get it to run at 6* BTDC. The best I can do is about 8* and then it chugs real bad. It smooths out and sounds better around 12* but I want to get this thing running well at factory spec before i mess around with go fast items.

so anyone got any idea of where i should start?

 

The knock sensor is probably picking up noise and retarding timing. When this happens, more mechanical base timing WILL help the car run better, because you are adding some timing to compensate for what the ECM took out.

However, thats only a guess. There could be a bunch of different reasons why it's doing what it's doing.

 

I'd suspect the HB ring has slipped and your timing reading is not what you actually have.

 

Since i had disconnected the EST I didnt think the computer would try to advance timing.

i had suspected the balancer because the rubber ring was kinda rotted and i was VERY careful lining up no. 1. How tough would it be to replace the HB?

 

Not too difficult, just need the right tools...can be bought for 20 bucks or so, maybe rented at a AP store.

Verify first, bring #1 to TDC, check the timing mark.

 

Will there be a pin or keyway to help me line it up on 1. If the old HB is'nt reading correctly how can i be sure i'm at zero?

 

What you want to do is bring #1 piston to TDC, pull the #1 plug, and use something as a "fulcrum" on top of the piston, pivoting on the sparkplug hole in the head.

Once you find the "lowpoint" of the fulcrum, you'll be pretty close to TDC, maybe within a few degrees.

Obvoiusly not as exact as a degree wheel, but will put you in the ballpark.

Once you've found TDC, look down at the timing mark on the HB, should be close to "0" on the timing tab.

Also, I've just re-read your original post where you mention "putting the motor back together"...did you install a larger cam, etc? Could also be why you need more initial timing as well. Just a thought.

 

I had the seals redone on my heads. Some of the valves were leaking. It's still all stock. I just wanted to tighten it up and have it in good tune before i really started to monkey with it.