1971 - 350

I just got done installing a new intake manifold and harmonic balancer over the past few weeks. Intake was leaking and balancer slipped and no longer gave an accurate timing reading (verified with TDC gauge). Got everything back together and the car just spits and sputters. I've had the distributor in and out 20 times before, never had an issue with getting the timing correct. I've done it about 7 or 8 times today and can't get the car to run or it runs like crap for 10 seconds and dies. I don't know how I can set my base timing any more accurate that what I currently have it. The marks for the rotor, #1 and compression TDC are on the money. I don't have access to TDC gauge right now, I believe I am there based off the intake valve spring and the puff from the spark plug hole (not 180 off).

Balancer install was straight forward and went smooth; I have no reason to believe there is an issue with that. The balancer has timing marks from 60 to 0. My stock timing gauge is still on the car too.

5 years I installed a Petronix kit, never had an issue with the set up.


Thanks in advance, I am losing my mind over this.

 

Check that you have strong spark, removing the distributor may have upset the electronic ignition, i've seen it before, good one day, dead the next. If you have strong spark, double, triple and quadruple check your plug wires, i've mixed them up before after checking twice even..

 

I double checked my wires with an ohm meter, they are correct and of working condition. I have spark, it looked ok.

 

guess the basic ign module, coil, pickup checks are in order.

 

Have you got a mate that can turn over the engine for you while you twist the dizzy? Might still be one tooth off and giving it a good turn, one way or the other is a good way to see.

 

I tried the the "twist and start" with no luck. Car cranks well, advance it too much it slows down and too much retard I get a back fire. I will look into testing my Petronix kit