Engine Troubles...

[RHGuyettejr]

So my motor has been running rough, actually ever since I bought it, and I was suspecting it is due to poor valve adjustment, I haven't pulled the valve covers yet, but I did check the firing order and it is correct, I also checked the timing today and it is at 5* initial timing (about 650rpm) and the shop manual I have calls for 4*, but it has never detonated or showed symptoms of being too advanced, I know some people can get as much as 10-12* out of a sbc, but I figured I would stick with what the manual said until I get the issue diagnosed. I bought plugs today but of course I trusted the guy at the counter to get me the right ones and they are not even close so Im planning on doing plugs and wires tomorrow night. Anyhow the distributor cap is pretty small and looks like it could still be points, the guy I purchased it from said the motor was rebuilt about 1000 miles ago (whatever the distance from NC to NH is), and I don't for the life of me know why he wouldn't put electronic ignition on it. Anyway another worry is that he said the dipstick broke and he couldn't get it out of the tube so it was still in there, I pulled the tube today and looked in the block and couldn't see it, so now I have to drop the oil pan to look for a piece of dipstick that may or may not be there.

Anyway sorry for the rant, ill post a video clip of the truck running, I know this has been posted before so forgive me if you have seen it just figured it would be easier to post all in one place.

Thanks for any suggestions.

1969 C20 Cold Start - YouTube