Ok, so I have an issue with timing since I got a Pertronix Ignitor III and installed it. My timing came out way too advanced after installing it and so I started trying to retard it to be where I need it but the vaccuum advance is now hitting my AC compressor and I can't go any further. The timing is still too advanced and makes the motor "ping" when under moderate/hard acceleration. Am I better off pulling the distributor out and turning it clockwise by maybe 30-45° and putting it back in, or just rotating the wires around counter-clockwise by one position and then rotating the distributor around clockwise and they trying to make adjustments? Any advice/precautions for either method? It seems like pulling the distributor would be easier but I'm a little worried since I've never done this before. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!!! Jory
Get the engine on the compression stroke on the #1 cyl and see where the rotor points (Should point to #1 plug wire on cap) If its correct. Also, at this stage check the mark on the balancer. It should be lined up with the timing pointer. if it isnt but the rotor is dead on...The balancer has slipped. If the balancer is dead on but the rotor is off...Try re-positioning the rotor/dist so its correct and see what happens. If this does not solve the problem...Time to pull the front cover and get a good look at the chain...Good luck!!!
Also, make sure that your vacuum advance is blocked off, and the carb port sealed when you set the timing. If not, it will make you advance the dist. way too far. Good luck.
What you asked about jumping wires in the cap or turning the shaft in the distributor are fine to do, but If you move the wires in the cap, make sure you mark #1 so you don't forget! What was said about the damper slipping is common on both the 6 and 8 cyl. What I do is pull #1 plug get the piston almost to TDC. Then with a small screwdriver and a long breaker bar with a socket on the crankshaft bolt, hold the screwdriver through the plug hole on top of the piston and turn the engine slowly with the breaker bar. Keep the screwdriver loose in the hole ( don't let it bind ) watch it carefully and you will see it push out and then start back in. At this point rotate the engine very slightly back and forth until you get no movement in the screwdriver. You are now on TDC. Mark a line with white or yellow paint where the " 0 " is on your scale. You may be one of the few that will have the mark already in the right place! The damper will still continue to slip so after a month or so check it by this method again. I think the slippage is increased on ac cars because when the ac clutch kicks on that is a lot of load on the pulley!
I should have also mentioned that the guy that owned the car before me must have pulled and rotated the distributor at some point because my #1 on the distributor actually goes to plug #4. Somebody moved it and now I'm having to deal with their problem. I just don't want to continue running my car too advanced and risk damage to the motor.
i think its funny how people think that there is a #1 on the dist.not to be mean but it doesnt matter where you put the #1 at.if you are having a problem with not having enough room to turn the dis.just move the wires one back.if that is to much just pull the dist.out and move it on tooth.
run it up to top dead center, pull the distributor, drop it back in till it won't hit when rotating, where ever the rotor button points thats now number one and wire accordingly
timing Did you install the pretronics 3 module or the whole new P3 dizzy? Do you run a vacumn advance? Was the timing correct before? If is was, there is no reason for it to be off now. Did you make any timing adjustments/changes?
