I have an '86 302 with tfi iginition module. The problem is it wont stay in time. The ignition module went bad and the thing wouldnt start. Before it quit altogether it ran decent with no backfires atleast. It had a lot of slack in the timing chain so I replaced it since in was in there anyway. Long story short I replaced the Distributer gear cap & rotor the ignition module and timing chain and gears. Now when I set the timing it runs great for a few minutes idles smooth at about 10*. I take out and drive it for a few minutes and it starts backfiring and idling bad and wont stay started and the timing is off again and has to be reset. Is there a trick to this I dont know about?

 

Are you removing the SPOUT connector before adjusting the timing? there's a gray dead-end plug somewhere (usually on the pass. side of the engine near the distributor) that you have to remove before setting your timing....

 

Ya I read about it after initially having problems with the timing. Is there a set amount of time or temp you have to leave it out for before reinserting the spout plug? Do you just get it set the timing where you want it an reinsert the plug? Does the engine have to off/on when you reinsert or does it matter. My instict would be to turn it off 1st.

 

On or off, shouldn't matter too much. I've done both. Some people also recommend resetting the computer by either disconnecting the battery and cycling the ignition, or removing the EEC fuse and re-installing...