Bizzare Ignition Timing/Plug Wire ? Please help!

[Glenn]

Thanks guys, I got it sorted!!

It was the distributor after all...with some finesse I got it aligned like the FSM says to do and to my surprise first try produced about 7 degrees timing right off the bat with the vacuum lines plugged. I set it at 5 degrees and the thing just idles perfect at 950RPM. Did not seem like it was off much...weird! Once I hooked up vacuum lines it seems to advance normally as it should!

I did read that front adjustment on the carb was fast idle so I think I have been using the correct one in the back, once timing was proper it almost idled perfect immediately, took very little adjusting, this thing just purrs now, which it should as the long block is new!

I guess I also lucked out with my junk yard carb as it seems to work perfect with great throttle response, idle is great and no vacuum leaks anywhere that I can tell after going over things with some carb cleaner and it really runs great!

I did check the valve clearance the other day by the book and it was pretty much right on, also engine was cold, I will recheck now hot!

[4wdchico]

Congrats! With a rebuilt long block and tight carb you should be set now.

FWIW: I always set the valves cold on these motors. No worries about the engine cooling down between the first and the last valve being adjusted that way. Since it sounds like you have good confidence in the valve adjustment check you just did, you could wait until your first oil change and adjust them then.