funny timing seting problem help UPDATED AT BOTTOM

[sweetk30]

i have swaped a tbi on to a 79 motor. runs good but cant set the timing with the pointer. if you try and run it to zero it will stall out at about 10-15 deg before zero. i have checked the top dead to the dist pointer in the rotor and all is good for pointer at #1 wire with top dead.

anyone else find this problem. ? i would like to get it set and done. right now it runs but likes to pop out the exaust a bit under heavy throttle and stumbles a bit off the bottom. motor ran good before on carb system.

 

[1979jimmy350]

did you disconect the timing wire?

 

[sweetk30]

did you disconect the timing wire?

yes and the check engine light came on also.

 

[Jason4x4]

sounds like the pointer doesn't match the balancer.

 

[bigblock72]

I agree, what balancer are you using? The '79 style balancer has an outer ring that is wider than the inner hub and requires a timing cover with a pointer in the middle of the cover. To clarify: you would have to shine a timing light between the water pump and cover to check the timing.
From what you describe it sounds like you are running the wide ('79 style)balancer with a regular bolt on or offset timing tab. If that is the case your actual timing is about 25* ATDC when it shows 0*.
Please post back with the style of balancer and timing tab you're using. Or just set the timing to where it runs good and leave it at that.

 

[southernspeed]

Get No.1 to TDC on comp stroke and make a new line on your balancer in line with the zero line on your timing tab. Metal marker paint or similar is good. Then strobe it at zero with the timing wire disco'd.

 

[4X4HIGH]

i have checked the top dead to the dist pointer in the rotor and all is good for pointer at #1 wire with top dead.

Guys, he said right in his post that he has already verified that the timing pointer lines up correctly with his balancer and that the rotor points to the correct position in the cap.

 

[southernspeed]

Guys, he said right in his post that he has already verified that the timing pointer lines up correctly with his balancer and that the rotor points to the correct position in the cap.

I read that as making sure the rotor arm was pointing at No.1 lead?

 

[sweetk30]

thanks guys. i might get to play with it this weekend. we will see. i will let you all know how i make out.

 

[sled_dog]

sure the balancer hasn't spun?

 

[sweetk30]

well i figured it out. it only cost me about 100 bucks and 6 hrs or so of time.

it was the motor / cam combo. the computer didnt like it. i had a 350 tbi motor i know was ready to go and run perfectly.

so i got a new flywheel and misc parts and droped it in. fired right off after 2 years sittin. runs perfectly now. must have been to big a cam for the tbi / computer to deal with.

 

[southernspeed]

Good job you had a spare motor. Nice work Sherlock!!