1977 with 460
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
I normally set my timing with the #1 spark plug out and feel for the pressure as the piston comes up. When I feel the pressure, I look at the harmonic balancer and stop at 10 degree BTDC. Then install the distirbutor with the rotor just coming into contact with the #1 tower on the cap. Sometimes it takes a bit to line up the oil pump shaft but when it does drop, the motor starts within a few seconds of cranking it.
It does sound like one of two things. The timing gears have slipped or you have a fuel problem. To figure out if it's a fuel problem, fill the carb bowls by hand through the vent tube or sight plug for setting the float need and seat. If the truck starts like normal then after a few minutes of idling starts to act up check your fuel pump to make sure it is pumping fuel. If it is pumping fuel, pull the inlet filters and check for a clog of some type. You can run it without the filters but I would suggest not driving it that way. If the fuel system checks out ok your going to have to check the timing set. First I would suggest pulling the fuel pump off and stick your finger inside the fuel pump mount and feel for slack in the chain. The chain sometimes wear out and stretch. Sticking your finger in you will feel if there is slack when you rotate the engine in both directions. You will only need to go backwards for maybe an inch before you know if it worn. The chain will be tight on one side but not the other. Next pull the timing cover to check the timing marks on the gears. Do all the other checks to make sure the wiring is correct and verify the installation of the distributor before you crack open the timing cover. No sense in getting your hands dirty right off the bat.
You have an hour to edit you post your reply FYI. After you post something look at the lower right side of the window. You'll see a "edit" button to the left of the "quote".
It does sound like one of two things. The timing gears have slipped or you have a fuel problem. To figure out if it's a fuel problem, fill the carb bowls by hand through the vent tube or sight plug for setting the float need and seat. If the truck starts like normal then after a few minutes of idling starts to act up check your fuel pump to make sure it is pumping fuel. If it is pumping fuel, pull the inlet filters and check for a clog of some type. You can run it without the filters but I would suggest not driving it that way. If the fuel system checks out ok your going to have to check the timing set. First I would suggest pulling the fuel pump off and stick your finger inside the fuel pump mount and feel for slack in the chain. The chain sometimes wear out and stretch. Sticking your finger in you will feel if there is slack when you rotate the engine in both directions. You will only need to go backwards for maybe an inch before you know if it worn. The chain will be tight on one side but not the other. Next pull the timing cover to check the timing marks on the gears. Do all the other checks to make sure the wiring is correct and verify the installation of the distributor before you crack open the timing cover. No sense in getting your hands dirty right off the bat.
You have an hour to edit you post your reply FYI. After you post something look at the lower right side of the window. You'll see a "edit" button to the left of the "quote".
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