My car is a 1986 MPFI 2.8

I am trying to set my timing. It has been running really sluggish lately.

Okay I disconnected the EST wire to set the timing and it was really far off, probably like 30*. I set it to 10* I checked it again with the EST cinnected and it satyed the same. But with the timing set correctly it runs sluggish. What would cause my timing to not change wether I have the EST connected or disconnected?

 

so ur saying that u adjusted back to 10* but when you checked again afterward(w/ EST connected), it was back to 30*?

if so, make sure you're not rotating the distributor itself when tightening the hold down bolt.
if ur sure u didn't move the distributor, then ur timing belt could be slacking?

 

okay it might have been a little confusing. What I'm trying to say is this:

#1 The timing remains the same wether I connect or disconnect the EST.
I checked the timing with it connected and it was at like 30*. I disconnected it and checked it again and it did not move.


#2 if I adjust to 10* (with EST disconnected) it is ridicoulusly sluggish and it pops and backfires on accelararion.

 

the EST needs to come off only while your adjusting,
your not supposed to rev it up while EST is off.

plug EST off, adjust to 10*, put EST back.

while EST is off its normal to be crazy loud or sluggish I believe.

 

It was sluggish with it plugged in. Here is the order I did things. I unplugged EST. Adjusted timing from 30* to 10*. Plugged EST in. Took it for a drive.

 

Im not a mechanic so im not sure.. but I'd say
in that case the timing might not be the problem..

I would check vacuum leak etc