Jeff Skibenes
Member
My timing mark is jumping all around +/- 25 degrees. I just replaced the points/condenser, rotor, wires and plugs. I'm guessing I should pull the distributor? 1966 Chrysler Newport 383 2bbl.
Sometimes it runs fine, then other times (it seems especially when its hot) it starts to run rough, sputter...Is the motor running rough? I would look at the harmonic balancer. If the rubber is old the outer ring could be moving and throwing off the mark.
Copy that. Thanks. I have never seen this kind of jumping around ever in my life. A degree or three maybe, but no more than thatThat sounds more like a timing light problem. If your timing was really jumping around that much it probably wouldn't run.
First, assuming you have a clamp on type light, try moving the clamp to a different location on the wire. If that doesn't help, try a different light.
The car has 64000 orig. miles. Could the chain be in that condition already?
Thank again for all the advice! It is very much appreciated and I will replace the timing chain this year.When the cars were newer, about 80K miles and the "borrowed time" syndrome started to happen, by observation, especially on some GM engines. At this point in time, on your car, it's more about "time" than "miles".
Now that you've got things going pretty well, get a name brand (i.e., Cloyes) timing set and put at least a new chain and cam sproket in it soon. Going to a roller chain will be a "once-in-a-lifetime" deal as they'll last that long with no issues, from my experiences. A roller chain is CHEAP long-term insurance in basic engine longevity. Douse the new timing chain parts in oil before putting the front cover back on, for good measure.
In using an inductive timing light pickup, find the place on #1 wire where it's the most isolated from the other wires, for best results. As an alternative, you can also use #6 as it's the first cyl in the 2nd half of the firing order.
Enjoy!
CBODY67
The car has 64000 orig. miles. Could the chain be in that condition already?