hey folks, need a little help, am having trouble with the timing on the car, specs say base is 6 degrees, i am running about 18 degrees, if i lower to 6 with est bypassed car won't run. compression @ about 175 per cyclinder maybe 180 all across. set minimum air and idle (400 rpm) 650 when est plugged in. in drive wheels chocked. very sluggish p/u have played with the dissy but noticed to get any ummpph out of her i have to set the timing till it pings on accell under heavy load. any thoughts? pls help
regards paul

 

how olds the rotor and cap, coil?

 

Paul,

Welcome Aboard!

There are a few possibilities;

1. The timing chain is not in the correct position;
2. The timing tab is not in the correct position;
3. The outer ring on the harmonic damper has slipped.

The first one will change the valve timing, and require compensation in ignition timing to somewhat restore normal operation. It still wouldn't be quite right, but you could at least get it to run on its own.

Either of the latter two of those will alter the indicated timing position.