Distributor/ Timing Questions
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Distributor/ Timing Questions
So I bought my truck used from a guy who seemed to generally take care of the truck mechanically. New plug wires, new spark plugs (haven't verified that), and new distributor cap. Anyway, I went to get the truck to get a smog, and had to drive on the freeway for a few miles, so the truck was at operating temp. I get there and shut it off for it to not turn on again. I know that lots of people have the hot start issue, but that is not my question for this tread. After letting it cool down, the truck would die if I let go of the throttle. Of course, that led to the hot start issue. The smog guy was nice enough to advance the timing by turning the distributor a little (I had no clue what he was doing), and that seemed to make it start (still struggled to) and run normally. I do not know much about advancing/ retarding timing, I just know the basics of how a distributor works. My question would be why did that help the truck run better when hot after advancing the timing? Is there anything I should know about when someone advances the timing? Do I have to retard it back to normal, or do I just leave it?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Welcome to FTE
For all we know maybe he retarded the ignition timing.
I think the thing to do though, is verify for yourself that the timing is correct, and distributor is operating correctly, to include vacuum advance. The base timing is actually just a small part of the overall picture.
For all we know maybe he retarded the ignition timing.
I think the thing to do though, is verify for yourself that the timing is correct, and distributor is operating correctly, to include vacuum advance. The base timing is actually just a small part of the overall picture.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2018
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Welcome to FTE
For all we know maybe he retarded the ignition timing.
I think the thing to do though, is verify for yourself that the timing is correct, and distributor is operating correctly, to include vacuum advance. The base timing is actually just a small part of the overall picture.
For all we know maybe he retarded the ignition timing.
I think the thing to do though, is verify for yourself that the timing is correct, and distributor is operating correctly, to include vacuum advance. The base timing is actually just a small part of the overall picture.
. It's fine if you don't have the time to explain, but like I said in the original post, I barely know what a distributor does and what it means to advance and retard the timing with it (although I don't know all the procedures of doing so). Thank you for your help
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The guy who happened to helped me with my distributor said he doesn't trust my truck (assuming he's talking about the hot start issue) and to come back after I get it fixed. But it did pass smog under the last owner last September
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Ok, sounds like he helped you get it started again but declined to actually test it for smog?
Anyway one of the symptoms of the initial or base timing being too far advanced - is hard starting - particularly when hot or fully warmed up. Known as starter kickback. You can test for this condition if it happens again. The next time it's good and warmed up or the problem has presented itself disable the ignition and see if the engine turns over normally.
Anyway one of the symptoms of the initial or base timing being too far advanced - is hard starting - particularly when hot or fully warmed up. Known as starter kickback. You can test for this condition if it happens again. The next time it's good and warmed up or the problem has presented itself disable the ignition and see if the engine turns over normally.
New User
Joined: Jan 2018
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I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I'm having similar issues. By disabling the ignition, do you mean something as simple as unplugging the coil wire and trying to start? *we now return to normal programming*.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Originally Posted by Deadulus
By disabling the ignition, do you mean something as simple as unplugging the coil wire and trying to start?
Too much initial advance and the starter will be fighting against early combustion in cylinders..
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Thank you, I know everyone starts somewhere, but I know how it is to explain something you find simple that I find difficult. again, than you so much!
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