Timing issue causes hard starting, help LARS!
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Timing issue causes hard starting, help LARS!
Over a year ago, we replaced the cam in my car along with other external engine components. We set the timing by sound and feel. I had a die hard small block guy doing the work and he didn't need a timing light (??). No his name wasn't Bubba! Anyway, the timing hasn't seemed right and after the car runs and gets warm, it is hard to start. When I try to start it, it turns over real slow like the battery is weak or the compression is so strong, it won't crank easily. Eventually, it fires up and I go on my way. The guys in the local vette club tell the timing is messed up. Here is my question. Do I turn the distributor clockwise or counterclockwise to change the timing in the right direction?
Thanks, Rick in Tennessee
Thanks, Rick in Tennessee
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,529
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From: Auburndale Florida
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'09
Rick it sounds like there is too much advance in the timing. The plug is firing when the piston is too far from the top of the stroke....without a light it is more trial and error.
Turn the distributor CLOCKWISE to retard the timing. Again it's trial and error. Loosen the bolt on the hold down clamp and turn the distributor about 1/4" at a time. Drive the car ...see how it starts both hot and cold.
Good luck
Mark
Turn the distributor CLOCKWISE to retard the timing. Again it's trial and error. Loosen the bolt on the hold down clamp and turn the distributor about 1/4" at a time. Drive the car ...see how it starts both hot and cold.
Good luck
Mark
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
Get a timing light somehow. Find out where you are before timing by "sound" or feel. I don't care how good this guy is, every car is going to sound different depending on cam, compression and heads and a few other things. Get the initial at around 12 to 16 and the final at about 36. This should run the best and have no trouble starting.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i bet your centrifugal advacne mechanism is now frozen open.. giving you more advance at idle creating a hardstarting problem.......before you kill yourself or adjust anything make sure the stuff under the rotor cap rotates freely....
read this thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...752&forum_id=3
read this thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...752&forum_id=3
Last edited by bobs77vet; May 19, 2005 at 03:41 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,887
Likes: 1
From: Hill AFB area Utah
Originally Posted by Gordonm
Get a timing light somehow. Find out where you are before timing by "sound" or feel. I don't care how good this guy is, every car is going to sound different depending on cam, compression and heads and a few other things. Get the initial at around 12 to 16 and the final at about 36. This should run the best and have no trouble starting.
Ok maybe his name wasnt bubba however he has buddy like tendencies !
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 4
From: Fairview Heights Illinois, near Saint Louis MO, STL C3 Shark
I used to have a car where the timing line on the harmonic balancer was due north, and the tab was normal. So I could use a timing light. I always reved to about 1500 rpms and adjusted timing advanced till runs rough, retarded till rough, then put it back in the middle. Ran great like that for 5+ years till I sold the car. Now I have a timing light and do it the "right" way.
I'd just keep retarding (clockwise) the distributer till you can start when warm. then find a buddy with a timing light if you don't want to buy one.
EDIT: now I have to move my lawn chair, the shade from the shade tree has moved.
I'd just keep retarding (clockwise) the distributer till you can start when warm. then find a buddy with a timing light if you don't want to buy one.
EDIT: now I have to move my lawn chair, the shade from the shade tree has moved.
