ok , so ive narrowed my problem down to the ignition module, or just that the timing is way off. since i found the distributor hold down bolt somehow backed itself off, i assume the timing is off too as the distributor is turning freely.

now to set the timing on the crank with my inductive timing light, the book says to disconnect the 2 pin jumper set for 10 deg BTDC, but instead of having an indicator like what the book says i have a tab with a pointer, and below it (towards the passenger side) is what looks like a round sight with a hole in the middle.

NOW, do i set the 10 deg BTDC so that its in the sight? or on the tip of the pointer??

i tried setting the 10deg BTDC on the pointer, and then reinstalling the 2 pin jumper, this causes it to jump up to around 15 deg BTDC, and still doesnt run just right, still sounds like its missing when driving.

basically what i want to know is if its supposed to be 10deg btdc on the POINTER, or in the sight.

thank you for any help, especially if you can get back to me tonight. as i have the light on loan and will set it tonight if someone can verify this for me. thanks so much guys. ps the chilton and the haynes we have here doesnt even say..


forgot to mention, the degrees are stamped right on my crank, theres no plastic indicator like what the book says.

 

I'd go with the pointer, and set it using that. I've always used a narrow tip paint marker to mark the harmonic balance pulley.

Miss while driving could be a wide range of problems. Anything from ignition (wires, cap/rotor/plugs). At idle the engine is under very little load. When placed under a load the electrical "kick" to fire the plugs changes. Any weakness would result in a 'skip' or 'miss'.

I'd disconnect the spout connector (that dumps the disty to stock setting for calibration) and set according to the emissions tag. It also wouldn't hurt to hook a vacuum gauge up to manifold vacuum and see what you get. 18-22 inches of vacuum, holding steady is good. If the needle does anything other then remain stable? It could point towards other issues.

S-