Distributor installation problem

[stariy]

Took my truck to shop on Friday to put new MSD distributor, at evening I had to take it back because it was too late. But truck was running like s*it. Setting TDC to 0 (brown wire off) make it idle smooth but at driving it was pinging like hell – timing too advance – I take. Turning timing back – take care of pinging but no power.
I look around today and found that mechanic clocked firing order one “click” clockwise. I rewired distributor, got myself timing light and set timing to 0 again. Truck won’t hold idle. Re-clocked wires back (wrong way) –runs better with same timing inconsistency.

I think that butthead-mechanic missed tooth on distributor. Any thoughts?

 

[bigtime]

If you are able to set the timing to zero, and the wires are on right plugs, distributer clocking does not matter. Check for proper firing order and then check for TDC and see if your damper turned.

 

[ghettosled]

how about taking it to a mechanic that knows how to install a distributor? :lol:

 

[stariy]

If you are able to set the timing to zero, and the wires are on right plugs, distributer clocking does not matter. Check for proper firing order and then check for TDC and see if your damper turned.

Sparkplugs wires are in correct sequence but one "click' off
1->6
6->5
5->4
4->3
3->2
2->1
Timing at 0 but when driving is it going to advance.
Was distributor installes incorectly - one tooth off

 

[DanenGraham]

Tooth or two off, That is what it sounds like, pull it, turn it put it back in. Boosted has this same problem.

I have a Q? If you do put it one out place all the way around, then still get the timming set to 0*, wouldnt that still make it run right? Boosteds truck seems to run fine with it out of place. What Gives???

 

[bigtime]

I repeat........

If you are able to set the timing to zero, and the wires are on right plugs, distributer clocking does not matter. Check for proper firing order and then check for TDC and see if your damper turned.

If you cannot do above, see Mikes post.

"how about taking it to a mechanic that knows how to install a distributor? "

 

[davecalidad]

Speaking of DISTRIBUTORS... What is the general opinion of the MSD PRO BILLET bolt in distributor?

I'm considering doing one because my rebuilt POS is starting to make noise again.

Mike,

Do you run them? They fit OK? Not that distributors are TIGHT on a SYTY ot anything....!!

 

[bigtime]

Summit has them on sale till the end of the month. $215.00

 

[Boosted]

Mine is off. According to the picture off Richard Le's site the square portion of the dist faces the passenger and mine faces driver or vise versa. We moved the wires one postion on the cap in the correct direction and it solved the problem. Once I need to take the upper intake off I will repostion the distributer.

 

[stariy]

Tooth or two off, That is what it sounds like, pull it, turn it put it back in. Boosted has this same problem.

I have a Q? If you do put it one out place all the way around, then still get the timming set to 0*, wouldnt that still make it run right? Boosteds truck seems to run fine with it out of place. What Gives???

Mine isn't running good.
When I put it to 0 - it is OK until reconnecting brown wire, than timing all over. I check with timing light - mark is jumping +- 7-8 degree.

 

[DanenGraham]

When I put it to 0 - it is OK until reconnecting brown wire, than timing all over. I check with timing light - mark is jumping +- 7-8 degree.

Not sure about this, but isnt it supose to jump around with the brown wire hooked up? Or should it stay the same? I know the one time i looked at the timming with it hooked up, i couldnt even see the mark.

 

[4C FED]

Yep, it won't show up on the stock damper 'cause it's advanced with the wire connected.
But jumping jumping +/- 7-8 degrees doesn't sound right.

 

[stariy]

7-8 degrees - my guess, but I can see mark, and it is jumping around TDC mark

 

[bigtime]

I repeat........

If you are able to set the timing to zero, and the wires are on right plugs, distributer clocking does not matter. Check for proper firing order and then check for TDC and see if your damper turned.

If you cannot do above, see Mikes post.

"how about taking it to a mechanic that knows how to install a distributor? "

When the wire is plugged in the timing will change. this is normal

 

[stariy]

OK
everything is set correct now, distributor got reinstalled, timing is at 0, etc.
Still don’t run right - at full boost truck moving very slow. Feels like timing doesn't advance at higher RPMs. Is there anything special needs to be done when installing MSD distributor?

 

[nightdiver]

Any codes present ? is the knock sensor wire tight ?
Remove all codes and try again. Kinda weird problem but thats all about sytys

 

[DanenGraham]

Sounds funny
Are you getting full boost at WOT?
Check FP with it running to make sure its still going up?
Checked Fuel filter?
Checked Fuel Pump?

 

[stariy]

I am getting full boost at WOT, Fuel filter is fairly new, fuel pump is 255 HP Walbro,
I will check fuel pressure tomorrow. But I don’t get any ping at WOT –fuel delivery should be good.

Does anyone ever have problem with MSD distributor? It all happened after installing new MSD last week. Is it possible that distributor is defective?

 

[Blake]

Let us know what you find out about the timing being all over the place.
My timing with the tan wire unplugged is ALL OVER THE PLACE. Once I plug it in, rock steady. Nothing is loose.
Getting ready for a rebuild and would like to know if distributer is junk.
George

 

[jwaller]

I know of 1 good friend that lost his ty motor bc of a msd dist doin exactly what yours is doing. it's an internal problem with the timing jumping to a very very advanced setting. it deto'ed his motor to death in a very short # of miles. remove that POS and put the stocker back in.

the msd does nothing for you. it mearly does what the computer tells it to do. you cant make that any better by polishing it up and making it $215.