4.3 timing issue

[sizeman456]

i am having a issue trying to time my 1990 thunderbolt IV when i put the light on it the mark on the balancer is about two inches away from the timing marks on the block i dont understand how this is even running if the timing is that far off it is atdc not btdc so i dont understand i thought that is all that i had to do is just put the light on #1 and then time it can some one help me please

 

[cooter2506]

Re: 4.3 timing issue

Are you sure you have the clamp for the timing light on the #1 plug. Front right side of block?

 

[sizeman456]

Re: 4.3 timing issue

ya im sure that it is on the #1 plug wire i have timed automotive engines before

 

[scipper77]

Re: 4.3 timing issue

If your idle is too high there might be a mechanical advance on the timing. Mine was the same so I lowered the idle (which only helped a little) and then set the timing. My timing spec is 12 degrees advance which is the last mark on the gauge. So being an inch off the gauge wasn't as big of a deal as I thought.

 

[sizeman456]

Re: 4.3 timing issue

no it is on the wrong side of the gauge after top dead center

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 4.3 timing issue

Balancer has shifted on the rubber, wrong plug wire

 

[cooter2506]

Re: 4.3 timing issue

Check your fring order on the cap. make sure you have that right. Idle is a good thing to check also.

 

[sizeman456]

Re: 4.3 timing issue

the boat starts up fine when it is cold but after it warms up every now and again i have trouble atarting it plus it has detonation ping

 

[scipper77]

Re: 4.3 timing issue

My timing light warns of a delay when the temp is below 70.

Have you checked your dwell. dwell will affect timing. When I did mine recently I first adjusted dwell, next idle, and finally set the timing. My timing was off by quite a bit as well. I would just start turning the distributor a little bit at a time until things get better (or worse). You said yourself that the engine is pinging. I'm guessing that the timing is as far off as it could possibly be and still run.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 4.3 timing issue

Check your fring order on the cap. make sure you have that right.

That doesn't matter. #1 plug can come from any post.

 

[Don S]

Re: 4.3 timing issue

I wouldn't go looking for mechanical advance, or points as suggested. You have neither.

Have you tried to turn the distributor to the correct timing?