I have a question that just may be a dumb question. I have been having some issues with the engine not running well. It has been hesitating, jerking, backfiring etc...idle is a little rough but fine but as soon as you gas it, that's when the issues begin apparent.

I have checked everything. I replaced the distributor, MAF is new etc... One of the things I didn't check was ignition issues.

I checked the timing while I throttled the engine by hand under the hood. The harmonic balancer is marked at 10* BTDC. When I gassed the engine, the timing mark didn't advance but when it did move, it jumped around....a few degrees retarded, a few degrees advance.
So, isn't it supposed to advance when you throttle it? At least not supposed to jump around, right?
I have been tinkering with this truck for 6 weeks and would LOVE to be able to drive it. thank you very much guys

 

Yes.. normally the motor will advance timing more than base even at idle.. you may see 16-18deg advance. The Spout signal goes from the TFI module to the computer and there is a little grey jumper in-line which has to be removed to set the base timing, maybe check that it is present and if it is measure it to make sure there is short between pins so that it completes the circuit when inserted.

 

Ok yea so it needs to be an open circuit when the spout is removed? It is present because I know I removed it when setting the base timing.
Thank you sir!