Reply #10: The timing is off. [View All]

You had mentioned above that you guys had messed with the distributor so you may very well have moved the timing a bit. While you are doing all that (if this isn't a CD ignition or computer controlled engine) you need to check the points. You may as well replace them now so that you won't have to in the near future. You will need a set of feeler gages and a timing light to dial it in right. To set the gap on the ignition you turn the engine over to the highest part of the lobe in the distributer and set the gap there. Turn it over and measure the gap again. Once that is done you set the timing. Make sure you put the pickup on the #1 cylinder wire and start the car. Look at the timing marks on the front of the engine. You can adjust the timing by twisting the whole distributer until the marks line up at the appropriate timing mark. If you and your SO don't understand these instructions just take is to a shop and they can do it in less than 30 minutes.