250 timing question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

2bits · 07-06-2007, 01:02 PM

I just dropped in a new (used) inline 6 and I KNOW I didn't back up the distributor a tooth when reinstalling the distributor. You know what I mean when you pull it out and you put it back it will always move a tooth. Well, I thought I didn't need to worry about it, I would just adjust it out with the timing. Well, we started it, and the engine ran beautiful. I mean smooth as silk. When I started to drive it, it clattered big time like timing was way advanced. I backed it off ALOT enought to where I would think it would compensate for it being moved a notch (yes it is all the way in).

My problem is that when I killed the engine, it ran on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on. You get the picture, we couldn't kill it for at least 60 seconds, I was freaking out.

Am I wrong that I can't just adjust it out to compansate, or do I really need to pull the dizzy and manually move the oil pump back a little?

Luvlegs · 07-06-2007, 01:27 PM

Electronic now right? I just tried that yesterday - It would diesel when I had the dizzy turned too far - I didn't get any back fire though as I went the other way. It ran smooth, I could rev it nicely but when on the road, it had a shake to it and wouldn't get over 50 - I pulled it, stuck it back it in... same thing - I can't seem to get it out with almost a 3/4 turn of the dizzy...

2bits · 07-06-2007, 01:33 PM

Yes, the engine came with a points distributor, the truck was already wired and set up for HEI, so I upgraded the engine.

Also, I was researching some old posts, and I wanted to mention that I don't have a ground strap attached. I have never used a ground strap in my life actually with no problems, but I have always put the negative wire from the battery on the engine. This time my buddies convinced me to put it on the frame, could that freak something out? Yes, I will put a ground strap on it now anyway tho

Luvlegs · 07-06-2007, 01:38 PM

I can't say for sure if the ground would make a difference but I think the run on is a timing issue.... then again, If the ignition is turned off, there shouldn't be any power to the coil so - no spark.. but, if it's mis-firing, perhaps that's where it's getting the spark? not sure... if nothing else, this will keep this up to the top....

2bits · 07-06-2007, 01:47 PM

I guess my main question is do I really have to reset the dizzy back a tooth, or can it be compensated by turning it? I've got plenty of turning room, I am just scared to start it again.

cwilli84 · 07-06-2007, 02:02 PM

Just a quick note. Are your plugs setup for an HEI or the old points system? The reason I mention it is they may be hot enough (or too hot) to produce the dieseling effect you mention , in which case they don't need to spark. Just hot enough to ignite the mixture. Anyway just a thought.

Luvlegs · 07-06-2007, 02:50 PM

I gapped mine to 45.... did you regapped yours 2bits?

2bits · 07-06-2007, 03:03 PM

I took my brand new plugs from my bad engine (HEI plugs) and they are gapped at 45 also, good idea though... AC R45TS

2bits · 07-07-2007, 12:40 AM

Didn't get an answer, so I said to heck with it and I started from scratch and yanked the dizzy, set TDC, etc and it is now purring like a kitten for the first time since I bought it...

Finally!

71tahoe · 07-07-2007, 07:42 AM

My timing headaches are always skull crushers too. I may get to the point where I can start my son's 350 this weekend or next. Starting with a crate engine and a gutted HEI. I'm glad to hear you got it running.

2bits · 07-07-2007, 07:37 PM

Ha! Yeah, this last engine I had in there was a skull crusher. Fixing the problem is just nuts and bolts but actually finding out what the problem is can be the real challenge. I know now I have bad piston ring in the old engine, but I don't know what else. I am interested to take it apart in the fall once it cools off. I've been driving around all morning! I love it! Good luck on your son's truck and thanks!

07-06-2007, 01:02 PM	#1
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	250 timing question I just dropped in a new (used) inline 6 and I KNOW I didn't back up the distributor a tooth when reinstalling the distributor. You know what I mean when you pull it out and you put it back it will always move a tooth. Well, I thought I didn't need to worry about it, I would just adjust it out with the timing. Well, we started it, and the engine ran beautiful. I mean smooth as silk. When I started to drive it, it clattered big time like timing was way advanced. I backed it off ALOT enought to where I would think it would compensate for it being moved a notch (yes it is all the way in). My problem is that when I killed the engine, it ran on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on. You get the picture, we couldn't kill it for at least 60 seconds, I was freaking out. Am I wrong that I can't just adjust it out to compansate, or do I really need to pull the dizzy and manually move the oil pump back a little? __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club Last edited by 2bits; 07-06-2007 at 01:04 PM.

07-06-2007, 01:27 PM	#2
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: 250 timing question Electronic now right? I just tried that yesterday - It would diesel when I had the dizzy turned too far - I didn't get any back fire though as I went the other way. It ran smooth, I could rev it nicely but when on the road, it had a shake to it and wouldn't get over 50 - I pulled it, stuck it back it in... same thing - I can't seem to get it out with almost a 3/4 turn of the dizzy... __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

07-06-2007, 01:33 PM	#3
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: 250 timing question Yes, the engine came with a points distributor, the truck was already wired and set up for HEI, so I upgraded the engine. Also, I was researching some old posts, and I wanted to mention that I don't have a ground strap attached. I have never used a ground strap in my life actually with no problems, but I have always put the negative wire from the battery on the engine. This time my buddies convinced me to put it on the frame, could that freak something out? Yes, I will put a ground strap on it now anyway tho __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

07-06-2007, 01:38 PM	#4
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: 250 timing question I can't say for sure if the ground would make a difference but I think the run on is a timing issue.... then again, If the ignition is turned off, there shouldn't be any power to the coil so - no spark.. but, if it's mis-firing, perhaps that's where it's getting the spark? not sure... if nothing else, this will keep this up to the top.... __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

07-06-2007, 01:47 PM	#5
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: 250 timing question I guess my main question is do I really have to reset the dizzy back a tooth, or can it be compensated by turning it? I've got plenty of turning room, I am just scared to start it again. __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

07-06-2007, 02:02 PM	#6
cwilli84 1FINE69 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Detroit, Michigan Posts: 239	Re: 250 timing question Just a quick note. Are your plugs setup for an HEI or the old points system? The reason I mention it is they may be hot enough (or too hot) to produce the dieseling effect you mention , in which case they don't need to spark. Just hot enough to ignite the mixture. Anyway just a thought. __________________ Had a 69 swb fleetside 350zz3 w 400turbo trans oak lined bed with rhino coated sides red exterior. SOLD

07-06-2007, 02:50 PM	#7
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: 250 timing question I gapped mine to 45.... did you regapped yours 2bits? __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

07-06-2007, 03:03 PM	#8
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: 250 timing question I took my brand new plugs from my bad engine (HEI plugs) and they are gapped at 45 also, good idea though... AC R45TS __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

07-07-2007, 12:40 AM	#9
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: 250 timing question Didn't get an answer, so I said to heck with it and I started from scratch and yanked the dizzy, set TDC, etc and it is now purring like a kitten for the first time since I bought it... Finally! __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

07-07-2007, 07:42 AM	#10
71tahoe Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Jonesboro, AR Posts: 916	Re: 250 timing question My timing headaches are always skull crushers too. I may get to the point where I can start my son's 350 this weekend or next. Starting with a crate engine and a gutted HEI. I'm glad to hear you got it running.

07-07-2007, 07:37 PM	#11
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: 250 timing question Ha! Yeah, this last engine I had in there was a skull crusher. Fixing the problem is just nuts and bolts but actually finding out what the problem is can be the real challenge. I know now I have bad piston ring in the old engine, but I don't know what else. I am interested to take it apart in the fall once it cools off. I've been driving around all morning! I love it! Good luck on your son's truck and thanks! __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club



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