I need to ask a very simple question. If the distributor will go in only two ways - 0 degrees and 180 degrees - why is everyone stuck on finding TDC? This is an engine that WAS running, and has been running sporadically throughout this thread. IF I was to do this TDC PSD, what would it show me if it wasn't on the mark? What would it mean for all here helping me troubleshoot if it was correct at the mark? Are we looking for a timing chain that has jumped a tooth (would it even show that)? Would it indicate that the timing tab is in the wrong spot?
I'm just getting theoretical here because I can buy one on eBay and wait for a few days for it to arrive, but I'd like to know how it will help me in troubleshooting before I do. That probably sounds stupid to many, but I've already used many other ways to find TDC on this engine that has been running, so I'm not really sure what the outcome of another timing test will tell me.
Let's suppose, theoretically, something is wrong with the timing and even though it is running at 8BTDC, that's too far advanced and why it backfired through the carb (first time it ever did that). If the timing chain jumped a tooth, that would put the cam out of place, but would that show with a timing test using a PSD? I don't believe it would. Or, what else could it be?
I guess what I'm saying is, in following a troubleshooting flowchart, when you conduct a test with two possible outcomes - yes or no - the flowchart leads on to the next test question. What are the next questions to ask after we answer yes/no on the timing test?
