Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 313
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From: Orlando
Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
I'm moving this post from Performance forum - I think it belongs here.
Problem: I can't set timing on my 466 because the timing mark is not steady (jumps back and forth so much I'm not sure what timing is set to). Engine has MSD 6AL with spark retard box. Mallory Unilite distributor with vacuum advance. Cam is 226* @.050 and .510 lift. Idle is lopy and contributes to timing mark movement I believe.
I have a Snap-on timing light with push button advance/retard and built in tach function (has display window on timing light). It does not display RPM correctly with the MSD ignition and may also be responsible for the jumping timing marks (works fine on non-MSD ingintions).
MSD web site for troubleshooting on timing fluctuation says "do not use an advance type timing light" (use their brand MSD light). I don't mind buying their light but I would also like to check timing advance and my damper marks don't go high enough.
What brand timing lights are you guys runing MSD ingnitions using? If a new timing light does not cure the jumping timing mark - what should I look for? Engine has about 500 miles on it.
Thanks
Mike
Problem: I can't set timing on my 466 because the timing mark is not steady (jumps back and forth so much I'm not sure what timing is set to). Engine has MSD 6AL with spark retard box. Mallory Unilite distributor with vacuum advance. Cam is 226* @.050 and .510 lift. Idle is lopy and contributes to timing mark movement I believe.
I have a Snap-on timing light with push button advance/retard and built in tach function (has display window on timing light). It does not display RPM correctly with the MSD ignition and may also be responsible for the jumping timing marks (works fine on non-MSD ingintions).
MSD web site for troubleshooting on timing fluctuation says "do not use an advance type timing light" (use their brand MSD light). I don't mind buying their light but I would also like to check timing advance and my damper marks don't go high enough.
What brand timing lights are you guys runing MSD ingnitions using? If a new timing light does not cure the jumping timing mark - what should I look for? Engine has about 500 miles on it.
Thanks
Mike
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 502
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From: atl
Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
hey man, i used a craftsman inductive style timing light(borrowed it from a friend..heh) and it worked great. i have an msd distributor, box and coil. to get the timing marks above the factory marks, you can get a timing tape from summit or jegs. just gotta know what the diameter of the balancer is. good luck bud
mike
mike
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 263
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From: British Columbia
Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
If all else fails, you may have to by pass the multiple spark box. I have used my snap on gun with a number of MSD type boxes with no problems, but it is probably a different model.
By the way, if you have a lopey idle, the timing will quiver a few degrees, but you should be able to get it pretty damn close to what you want. Good luck!!
Nick from the frozen north
1974 F-250 4X4
soon to be 429
dana 60 front and rear
By the way, if you have a lopey idle, the timing will quiver a few degrees, but you should be able to get it pretty damn close to what you want. Good luck!!
Nick from the frozen north
1974 F-250 4X4
soon to be 429
dana 60 front and rear
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Orlando
Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
Thanks for your replys. I ordered the Mallory timing light. If I still can't stabilize the timing marks with new light, then I got something else wrong. Maybe distributor. I doubt there is any chain slop since milage on this engine is so low. Any other thoughts?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
That's a symptom of loose bushings in the distributor.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 313
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From: Orlando
Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
The distributor (and engine) has under 500 miles on it - I guess that doesn't mean much. I just wouldn't suspect a component problem unless it was manufactured wrong or I did something to it installing it. I can feel no side to side distributor shaft movement but can move it some up and down. Does this sound like a bushing problem?
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Louisville,Ky.
Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 08-Sep-02 AT 01:32 PM (EST)]A little slop in the bushings of a Unilite wouldn't effect it much anyway. Those are great distributors!! The light beam doesn't vary like a magnetic pick-up can.
Just curious, why you didn't use a Mallory Hy-fire instead of an MSD box?
PS, are you checking it with the vac. advance unhooked?
Just curious, why you didn't use a Mallory Hy-fire instead of an MSD box?
PS, are you checking it with the vac. advance unhooked?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 313
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From: Orlando
Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
MSD ignition was recommended by Performance book I was following on build up.
I had the vacuum advance unhooked. Even if I hold throttle open to around 2500 rpm timing marks still jump around. It's got to be the timing light. This is too weird.
If new timing light doesn't solve problem I'll pull distributor and replace with MSD unit.
I had the vacuum advance unhooked. Even if I hold throttle open to around 2500 rpm timing marks still jump around. It's got to be the timing light. This is too weird.
If new timing light doesn't solve problem I'll pull distributor and replace with MSD unit.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 160
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Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
I'm a small block guy but I'll throw in my .02. You might want to put a mark on your balancer - down the outer ring, across the rubber dampner, and down the inner portion. Fire the engine up and run it awhile. When you turn it off check to see if the marks still line up. It's just a thought but the outer ring may be seperating from the inner.
Carl
Carl
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Louisville,Ky.
Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
I don't think it is a Unilite problem. It sounds like a bo
MSD) or a plug wire that could be misfiring. That is if the new timing light doesn't fix it.
Anyway, you can always time it by ear. With the vac. adv. hooked up, run it up to 3500 rpm. Advance the timing until you start getting a slight miss. then back it off until the miss goes away, then back it off a tad more. Then test drive it. If you get any pinging, back it off until you don't hear any pinging, then go a tad more, just to be safe. This should give you optimum performance and economy.
Jimmy
MSD) or a plug wire that could be misfiring. That is if the new timing light doesn't fix it. Anyway, you can always time it by ear. With the vac. adv. hooked up, run it up to 3500 rpm. Advance the timing until you start getting a slight miss. then back it off until the miss goes away, then back it off a tad more. Then test drive it. If you get any pinging, back it off until you don't hear any pinging, then go a tad more, just to be safe. This should give you optimum performance and economy.
Jimmy
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 484
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From: Garden Grove USA
Timing mark jumps around - can't set timing
I agree with the last post...another way is to advance it until it has a hard time turing over when the engine is hot. Back it off until it turns over free, then back it off to eliminate pinging, and your set. I run my 460 at 20 degrees. I didn't know that until I finally put a timing light to see what I had it set to. Anything below that and the performance goes away fast! I do not have a problem with pinging and I tow a heavy trailer. Runs fantastic with an MSD 5 box and stock distributor.
Good luck...
Good luck...