1meanGTA

just got my car all back together after pulling the distributor, and i dont know if it was doing it before, because i just got the timing light, but the timing mark is jumping back and forth, going maybe 1.5 inches to the left and right of the mark. the car seems to be running the same as it did before. i've heard that you're supposed to undo some tan and black wire before setting it, that takes off all advance so you just set the base timing right? because i set it without undoing any wires, reads about 35. i've got the distributor bolt as tight as i could get it with a flexhead gearwrench turned 90 degrees, and a pair of pliers to turn it. tried to get a u-joint socket in there but couldnt. is it possible i just need to tighten that bolt, and if so, how do i get at it without the gearwrench? and where should i set my timing if i plan on running 91 octane instead of 93?

Lo-tec

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...TOR+%2BPICTURE

This thread shows EST connector. Timing should be set with this disconnected and should not jump around.

1meanGTA

what can cause the timing mark to swing back and forth like that?

1meanGTA

i undid the est wire, set the base timing to 6, and the timing mark didnt move. i hooked it back up, started it and was expecting it to read at least 32, but it was only at 28 or so. is it supposed to be that low at idle? and its still swingin back and forth with the est wire hooked up. seems to be running alright though. im thinking maybe its a problem with the springs or weights or something in my distributor, but obviously i dont know much about cars yet and i dont want to just start taking things apart while its running fine. im not quite ready yet to break down and take it somewhere to have it looked at, plus im just about broke, hurt my knee and can't work right now so i can't really afford it.

Lo-tec

Once the EST is plugged in, the timing will jump around. There are no springs or weights, the distributor is fixed (if you left the EST unplugged it would stay at 6 deg) and the computer does the rest. It controls the timing completely. Sounds like it is working fine.

1meanGTA

right on mang. looks like all i need to do now is get my neighbor to weld up my aerochamber to my exhaust. appreciate your help. by the way, wheres gambrill? i live about 15 minutes from hagerstown, do you go to any of the third gen or f-body gatherings around here?

Lo-tec

I think this might be close:

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=259507

gambrills is kinda between baltimore and washington

1meanGTA

Four weeks, twenty papers, that's two dollars plus tip.


lol is this a reefer reference?

Lo-tec

Not reefer, the movie "Better off dead".