would an aftermarket cam affect a magnetic pickup in my distributer causing it to misfire sometimes? ive been though 3 distrubutors and cant lose the misfire or get a constant time. i try to time it and the timiing flashes varies5 degrees each way @1000rpm...???

 

i'd suspect a timing gear/chain problem or maybe wear on the distributor gear.

 

the distributors were new and the engine only has 20k on it. i advanced the timing at the crank 4*on install
does tha have anything to do with it.

 

No the cam cannot cause that.

I'd suspect the timing set. Doesn't really matter if you put it on yesterday; if it shows up as defective, it's defective.

One of those cheap "roller" chains, the ones that are about $20?

Put a crank socket on the crank; rock the crank back and forth while watching the rotor; see how far the crank can move in between where it moves the dist. That will tell you immediately what the chain's condition is.

 

i was going to suggest the exact same thing.

well, i dont have a crank socket... what i do is take the crank pulley off, then put the bolts partway back in the balancer.

stick a bar, jack handle, piece of wood or something of that nature between the bolts and use that to turn the motor over..

turn it with the cap off the distrib until the rotor moves, then turn the motor the other way.. if theres excessive play there, then get a new timing set.

 

damn having to do that one time and i'd be buying a socket or flywheel turning tool

 

actually, i find it to be easy and MUCH quicker then pulling the balancer off to use a crank nut.

 

edel timing set dont know if its that but i guess it cant hurt to try.