I would check the static timing first. Trace the number 1 plug wire to the distributor cap. Get a silver sharpie and make a verticle line on the distributor body directly under the center of the no. 1 plug wire tower.
Pull the plugs. Hook up a remote starter switch if you can, if not, just use the starter button or ignition switch. Cover no. 1 plug hole with a finger. Bump the motor until you feel compression. Then grab the fan and belt and rotate the motor counter clockwise, little at a time, until the bb on the flywheel is right at the pointer on the bell housing.
Now pull the cap and see if the rotor is pointing at the silver line you marked on the body. If not, loosen the screw on the octane selector plate, not the hold down bolt, and rotate the distributor until the rotor is aligned with the sliver mark. Tighten the screw. You are pretty close, if not exactly on, TDC.
Look at the plugs, if carbon fouled or oil fouled you need to clean and regap them. If they are clean, check the gap just to be sure.
Next, rotate the motor by hand if necessary, so the rubbing block on the points is on the highest point on the distributor lobe. Check the gap and adjust if necessary.
Install the plugs, cap and wires. Now you can start the motor and check final timing with a timing light. That will at least answer the question of timing.
Last edited by Dragsix; 05/20/2024 12:55 PM.
