Ok, here's the deal.... this is starting to suck. I'm starting to think that the distributor is off a tooth. But it wouldn't start then, would it? I keep twisting the cap to set the timing (I couldn't find the ESC Connector so I jumped the A&B terminals in the ECM diagnostic connector), and it'll smooth out, then the timing drops again, down to almost 0 BTC, and I twist again... I've got it twisted almost pointed straight forward, and it still idles rough as hell....

And when I leave my driveway and try to punch it, it just takes off SLOW.... I'm guessing that top speed would probably be 25mph.... This sucks!!! Someone help please!!


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--'87 Camaro LT --
Currently undergoing a 2.8->3.4 swap.....

 

If it's off a tooth, that's okay; you'll put it back to normal by twisting the distributor cap around.

For those that doubt, here's my old message on why it doesn't matter how you drop your distributor in where the #1 plug wire should be on the cap...

https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/...ML/000866.html

This message basically says as long as you dropped the distributor in so the rotor points to the #1 cap terminal (whichever you choose to be the terminal, it doesn't matter!) and the #1 piston's at TDC, you've got the engine timed to 0 degrees advance.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Tom, I so agree with that detail. BUT
There is so little room for movement, it's to your advantage to get it right. BUT....
MY SUGGESTION is start looking at ALL the vacuum hoses.
Start at the back by dist and start going all around. IF you can pull off the hose easy, you found the problem. I used electrical tape to take up ANY room on the hoses, as that back one is not 1/2" nor 5/8" or 3/8".
It's gotta be just right!
I really think you have vacuum leak.
Put a vacuum gauge on it & that'll confirm what I suspect.
OR the valves are adjusted wrong! Like to tight.
DID YOU USE A COMPRESSION TESTER ON THIS PROJECT?
I warned ya, it's all in the details, the final result. I had to spend so much extra time on the details, cauase I knew the end result.
Problems.
My friend thought I was so ****.
You can set timing only by ear.
Just make it idle smooth and that's a start. DO NOT WASTE TIME WITH A TIMING LIGHT YET, UNTIL IT"S ALL CORRECTED.
Have you tried see if any codes flash out?
HAVE YOU DISCONNECTED BOTH TERMINALS OF THE BATTERY FOR 1/2 HOUR TO CLEAR ALL CODES THEN TRY DRIVING IT AGAIN?
YOU WILL GET THIS RIGHT!
HONEST!!!!

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Ok the wire connection to the distrib is on the right strut tower... it is I think a tan and brown wire that is exposed to be seen in plain veiw and is a single 1 wire connector. unplug it and then set your timing. I had to do this to get the advance to even out correctly.


contrary to the above post, there is NO VACUUM LINE FROM THE DISTRIB ON THE 3.1 only a 4 prog ignition module in the distrib.

Some more info...I take it your car was running fine then you tried to do a tune up or something. again there is no vacuum lines to the distrib on the MPFI 3.1. to find that elect connector follow the wire bundle from the distrib and see where it opens up and you see a single 1 wire connector, unplug it and set the timing. dissn this plug will take your comp out of the timing advance and it will be set to the hard distrib position. reguardless of the saying of a person on not getting a timing light...GET ONE, spend the 20-40 bucks and then you will have it when you need it.

[This message has been edited by Camaro_hunter_d (edited April 06, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Camaro_hunter_d (edited April 06, 2001).]

 

Hi CHD
I was not suggesting that there was/were/are any hoses to the distributor.
There is the intake manifold vacuum connection, located on the driver side at the intake, right by the distributor.
That is what I am referring to.
I had a devil of a time trying to get that conection/hole to completely seal up. On that, I used new hose and electrical tape to make secure seal.
The distributor has all wire connections to it. And yes, the wires (most of them) go to the coil modular at the passenger side shock area.
Sorry if the answer wasn't clear.
About the timing light.
I have one.
I once timed my car with the process called for, in Chiltons & the factory Helms manual.
I have since given up on that process.
I use my ear, test drive & common sense.
Lately, those items have proven 100% correct.
You can easily adjust the timing by ear, common sense and driving.
The end result is the same, the proper timing setting, passing the smog test and proper performance.
Try it, surprise yourself.
You cannot hurt your car, this way.That's why you test drive to the car, to listen to any engine/piston ping.
After you try my suggestion, then use a timing light. See where you timing mark lands. It will probably be very close to the 10 degrees it needs to be at, if done correctly. It is a talent/skill one developes. Just like adjusting a carb, by ear. On that detail, I cheat, as I also use a vacuum gauge to assit me, to register the highest vacuum reading, at the proper idle RPM.
With these newer cars, a lot of old skills have been lost.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Karl:

No, I didn't use a compression tester, as I didn't touch the rocker arms... I just cut the gaskets. As for the vaccum leak, you may be right. I'm gonna try to get my hands on a vaccum guage. As for the timing, I jumped the terminals in the diagnostic connector to set it (like I said, I couldn't find the wire, and it's just simpler {<-word?} to do it that way...), and got it dialed in on 10 BTC. And, of course, we were told by a VERY experienced mechanic to change the flywheel, so that's the next thing to do.

Camaro Hunter:

No, my car wasn't running fine. I did a 2.8->3.4 swap (thanks to Karl... ), and I'm trying to get it dialed in so it actually will get out of it's own way. So far, it has turned out to be a pretty easy swap though...

------------------
--'87 Camaro LT --
Currently undergoing a 2.8-&gt;3.4 swap.....

 

bummer part is some teething pains.
the plus is, look at what you have learned/accomplished, so far.
WAY COOL !
you are getting closer
do you have access to the proper flywheel?

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA