360 runs but timing mark way off

[jeepyj360]

Hi guys, new to the site and need some help. my amc 360 starts sounds good but the timing mark is not visible to time properly. if I hook up the vacuum advance and give it gas it will stall. help please missing a lot of wheeling.

 

[gutthans]

Well, since it runs...you have the correct firing order.

Did you recently replace wires or remove the distributor If so, you could very easily have moved the firing order up or down IN RELATION TO THE INDEX MARK.

The easy thing to do is this: Take your inductive timing pickup and place it on the #8 or the #2 wire (one position advanced/retarded). I'll bet one of them is now in the #1 position for the index mark...if so, DON'T move the distributor...just pop off each wire and move them one position forward or back on the CAP. This will put #1 back where it belongs.

Note: You may need to check other wires to determine where in the order you moved the #1 index...1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 Find the one matched to the mark and move every wire forward or back the corresponding count.

For example, If #8 shows as the index, advance the wires clockwise one terminal position. If #2 shows as the index, retard the wires counterclockwise one terminal position

 

[Hedgehog]

If you were to look at mine with a timing light that can't be set for your advance you couldn't see my timing mark either. I set mine at ~12. If I were you I'd get a timing light with an adjustable advance, mine is a Harbor Freight model. It's inexpensive but works well. With the adjustment I'd hook up the light as normal. Then turn the timeing adjustment until the marks line up at "0". This will tell you where the distributor is set right now. Naturally you disconnect the vacuum and plug the line before checking the timing. It sounds like your way to far advanced, possibly retarded. I'm inclined to think advanced since hooking up the vacuum will ADD advance to the timing.

What kind of distributor are you running? Stock (type) or HEI or a team rush type?

Do I see you have a YJ .... oh my.

 

[jeepyj360]

Thanks I'll give checking cylinders 2/5 a try tonight when I get home.hope its that simple. Its the motor craft soon to be team rush.and yes yj