Weird Timing issue on my 318 V8 5.2L

68dartgtman said

Hey Swampmike - I never took off the harmonic balancer or messed with it in any way - I did not rebuild this engine - it has had head work but not by me ........... I can kill the engine just by turning the distributor in either direction far enough - I simply kept it in the "middle" of those two adjustments and "listened" to how the engine ran - once it smooths out I stopped turning the distributor and tighten it up.

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You can NOT time an engine, any engine by ear. That is a no no from the go go (could be a rap song in there....I claim all rights to it but I can't rap) and as suggested you need a timing light and learn how to use it.

I happened to grow up knowing one of the best Comp racers in the country. He was a FORD by but by had loads of talent so I forgave the Ford issues. Anyway, I was 15 and we stopped by his place to shoot some bulls and race the benches around. I'll never forget that day. He told me 90% of the people at a drag strip don't understand how to time an engine or use a timing light. That was 1978-79. He was absolutely correct.


Sadly, after all this time, it's still true. This ain't a rip on any one. Just stating what I've learned. Fortunately, time has passes and things like the grid and EFI have come along to help. But, if you can't grasp carb function or how and ignition system works, IDK that a computer makes it better.


Ramble off, waiting for AJ to come along and make my post more interesting.