timing keeps "walking" on me... HELP!

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Aug 2, 2003 | 05:30 PM

tpivette

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From: newark DE

timing keeps "walking" on me... HELP!

it seems every couple weeks ill check my base timing (w sensor disconnected) and itll be a few degrees retarded from where i set it previously. i usually have it set at 9* BTDC, and if i dont check it for about a month or so, it will wander to 3*BTDC the next time i check it. no matter how much i tighten the dist hold down bolt, this always happens. any ideas on what i should do?

Aug 2, 2003 | 05:42 PM

brookman

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From: chandler az

Re: timing keeps "walking" on me... HELP! (tpivette)

I the distributor moving? if not it is likely that the harmonic balancer is slipping. There is a rubber ring between two metal pieces and the will slip when they get old.

Aug 2, 2003 | 05:45 PM

don hall

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From: SANTA CRUZ CA

Re: timing keeps "walking" on me... HELP! (tpivette)

You might try setting your timing to the desired degree. Tighten the bolt, and mark the distributor base and mating engine surface with a line, to determine if the distributor housing is actually moving, or if it is something internal.

[Modified by Oldman, 2:46 PM 8/2/2003]

Aug 2, 2003 | 06:01 PM

tpivette

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From: newark DE

Re: timing keeps "walking" on me... HELP! (Oldman)

it seems as thought the dist is moving... but i havent tried marking it yet so im not 100% sure. i do know that if it were the balancer being out of whack, i would have increased the base timing WAAAAY over what it should be with all the adjustments ive made in the last 6 months. if that were true, i would expect to be getting knock counts and alot of retard, but ive picked up none of that on my scan tool. with that said, ill try marking the distributor and see if it moves

[Modified by tpivette, 11:02 PM 8/2/2003]

Aug 2, 2003 | 08:01 PM

MtlSphere

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From: OKC OK

Re: timing keeps "walking" on me... HELP! (Oldman)

Quote:

:iagree: Sounds like the dist clamp has lost it's "spring" so to speak or perhaps the dist bolt boss threads have become worn and the bolt is backing off a smidge. Or it might just be that the retainer bolt is too long and bottoming out before proper tension on the clamp...debris in the bottom too...mind wandering...

Remove the bolt and retainer clamp and using a flashlight try to get a look at the threads, blow it out with shop air...might be time for a heli-coil.

Aug 2, 2003 | 08:17 PM

LaVidaLoca

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From: Yukon OK

Re: timing keeps "walking" on me... HELP! (MtlSphere)

OR, just try to move the distributor with your hands. It should not move with the bolt tight.

Good thoughts on problems with the bolt. :thumbs:

Aug 4, 2003 | 12:56 AM

MtlSphere

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From: OKC OK

Re: timing keeps "walking" on me... HELP! (LaVidaLoca)

:seeya See ya on Route 66!

Aug 4, 2003 | 06:23 PM

vetracer

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From: Phoenix AZ

Re: timing keeps "walking" on me... HELP! (brookman)

Quote:

I the distributor moving? if not it is likely that the harmonic balancer is slipping. There is a rubber ring between two metal pieces and the will slip when they get old.

:iagree:

Look for any silver metal showing around the front of the balancer. This means it has slipped. Mine had slid back to the point where it almost rubbed through the timing chain cover. I've heard this is common and is caused by oil leaking from the front of the intake onto the balancer.