HI guys.

I did my intake manifold gasket finally and fudged the dizzy up in the process, then found TDC and did it that way, still got it 180 off. Then swapped it around and still wouldn't run worth beans. Now after finally realizing i had mixed up plug wires, it's running okay (idles like normal), with the exception of a knock. I noticed that something said if the camshaft retard is set more than 2 degrees off, your distributor isn't right. Well I have the Torque app for my tablet so i hooked that up. I didn't see a camshaft retard, but i did see "timing advance". I don't know if that's the same thing or not. At idle it's reading about -20 degrees. Could someone interpret that for me? It sounds like it's hitting on all cylinders, just has that knock.

 

Timing advance isn't the same as camshaft retard, you'll need a high-end scan tool to access it. As long as you aren't getting a P1345 code you have the distributor meshed with the correct tooth. It's recommended though that you check camshaft retard whenever you remove the distributor to make sure it's within spec; zero degrees is preferred but +/- two degrees is acceptable like you said. Not sure about your knock, maybe someone else will chime in about that.

 

Right, pretty sure i have the dizzy set right, still won't run right though, I think it's missing on two cylinders. I leave for college in the morning so i guess the ol' girl is staying behind.

 

Porkfriedrice is spot on in post #2.


Check your plug wires on the cap again. Notice the positions of 1, 3 & 5: