350 Timing Adjustment *UPDATE EXPERTS NEEDED*

[bp71k5]

I've done both and now the base timing is at 0.
She's idling now with the EST reconnected and seems ok.
I put the timing light back on the markers but the mark on the balancer does not line up anywhere on the timing cover

Is that the whole point; set the base timing and then the ECM takes over?

Yep, that's the point. The timing mark is probably running around 20 degrees advanced at idle if the ECM is controlling it.

 

[GalDemSuga]

Yep, that's the point. The timing mark is probably running around 20 degrees advanced at idle if the ECM is controlling it.

Cool. Now to put the hood back on and test drive

 

[GalDemSuga]

Test drive results are mixed.

Good:
1. no engine codes.
2. plenty of power.
3. trans shift real good; up and down.

Bad:
motor seems to vibrate during early acceleration. the vibration seems to travel all the way tru my front end and to steering wheel. it seems as if the front bounces from second tru third gear and then levels off once i get to about 50 mph.


I have never had the timing on this truck correct since i've owned it, so this is all new. the old salesman at the autozone suggested setting the base timing to 4 degress above the 0 mark to smooth out the acceleration.

i was wondering if running a higher octance; say 89 would solve the issue?

 

[4X4HIGH]

Sounds more like a tire balance issue or possibly even a driveline vibe. For the moment try swapping the front and rear tires and see if anything changes.

 

[Madspeed]

NO im bashin those that have no clue and are steerng people in the wrong direction and NO the TV cable has absolutly nothing to do with timing .
AND FYI I use more accurate information than chiltons. Try Helms manuals when u want to know the truth. IM just stating that the chilton manul YOU CAN GET your and on localy has more correct information than Ive seen posted here. Im a seasond technician thats forgot more than most will ever know about tthe automotive world and it discusts me to se somone get Jerked off and spin in circles by UNSeasoned Internet techs. Take my advice however u want to =)

 

[Madspeed]

Test drive results are mixed.

Good:
1. no engine codes.
2. plenty of power.
3. trans shift real good; up and down.

Bad:
motor seems to vibrate during early acceleration. the vibration seems to travel all the way tru my front end and to steering wheel. it seems as if the front bounces from second tru third gear and then levels off once i get to about 50 mph.


I have never had the timing on this truck correct since i've owned it, so this is all new. the old salesman at the autozone suggested setting the base timing to 4 degress above the 0 mark to smooth out the acceleration.

i was wondering if running a higher octance; say 89 would solve the issue?

T
he vibration is probebly driveshaft / ujoint angle.
And if you start messing with timing other than stock just know that the ecm multiplys timing by base timing so a couple degrees turns into 10's 20's and 30's so one or 2 degrees advance might not hurt to bad but be carefull. MY pee brain dont remember them old systems anymore but I do remember that base timing is critical

 

[BoondocK5]

In the old days(prior to ECM's taking control of the timing)
One could just loosen the Distributor hold down bolt, then have a sidekick (stupid friend) power brake the engine while adjusting the timing until it started to ping at about 1850 rpm(assuming it has an automatic trans), then back it off until it didn't ping at that RPM, then tighten down the distributor.
But that's out of the question with an ECM controlled engine.

 

[smartcarkiller]

Man I have dealt with trying to figure out how to fix things through the internet and always get mixed answers, the best thing to do is find a reputable mechanic shop and ask them to give you pointers. I make it a habit to get to know my specialty shops in my area for just these occasions. I have found that most places worth anything really are good at give up important info. A lot of times I have needed small things done or needed a cheap part (less than 5 bucks) and they will often times give it to you because they want your future business and you'd be surprised at what 15 bucks worth of beer will get you from an off duty mech. (just make sure he gets it after the fix)The internet is a good source for general info but you really need to get the FACTS before anything major after all that pinging isn't just a funny noise, it can ruin your engine with ease.

 

[USSkoval]

NO im bashin those that have no clue and are steerng people in the wrong direction and NO the TV cable has absolutly nothing to do with timing .
AND FYI I use more accurate information than chiltons. Try Helms manuals when u want to know the truth. IM just stating that the chilton manul YOU CAN GET your and on localy has more correct information than Ive seen posted here. Im a seasond technician thats forgot more than most will ever know about tthe automotive world and it discusts me to se somone get Jerked off and spin in circles by UNSeasoned Internet techs. Take my advice however u want to =)

Cool, I was hoping I just misunderstood you

But I still say Jasper is a joke, lol.

 

[GalDemSuga]

Sounds more like a tire balance issue or possibly even a driveline vibe. For the moment try swapping the front and rear tires and see if anything changes.

upon closer inspection the rear u-joint on the rear driveshaft was broken. i pulled it off and it just fell apart. i swapped in my back up driveshaft and she ran great.

there is now power i never knew i had i'm so happy

 

[gone huntin]

Sounds like we have another satisfied customer, $25 WELL SPENT, HUH?