61' 394 cid timing issues

[cisco88]

I just recently did the timing chain on my 55 Olds with a 61' 394 in it. I set all timing marks correctly. Cam at 6 Crank at 12. Right. The reason I change it is, before, I had to retard the timing in order for the veh to start. I was told that the sprockets for the timing chain were made of a material where the teeth break. Anyway, no teeth were broken, but since I was there already I replaced it. Now, I seem to be having the same issue. Help, this is kicking my ass. I've set dist. 180 off to see if maybe I was off installing the timing chain, but still nothing. I have spark, fuel and air. Something with the timing is just not right. Could it be something in the distributor?

Before any of this happend I installed pertronix ignition and the veh ran beautiful. From one day to another this crap started happening. Any thoughts and all thoughts are welcomed. I need your help.

[88 coupe]

Originally Posted by cisco88

........ I had to retard the timing in order for the veh to start ........

Ignition timing? Was this before, or after, you changed the timing chain?

Does the engine still run with the timing retarded?

Originally Posted by cisco88

........ I was told that the sprockets for the timing chain were made of a material where the teeth break ........

Not in a 394. Was this before, or after, the problem started.

Originally Posted by cisco88

........ I have spark, fuel and air ........

Strong spark? Enough to jump a ¼" to ⅜" gap?

Enough fuel? Enough air? How does it react when you restrict (choke) the airflow?

Originally Posted by cisco88

........ Something with the timing is just not right ........

Unless you know that for a fact, it is better left unsaid.

Originally Posted by cisco88

........ Could it be something in the distributor? ........

Could be a lot of things. No way to tell which, without a better description of the problem.

Originally Posted by cisco88

........ Before any of this happened I installed pertronix ignition ........

How long before?

Norm

[cisco88]

Ignition timing? Was this before, or after, you changed the timing chain?Does the engine still run with the timing retarded ?

This was happening before and after I replaced the timing chain. Eng will run if I retard the timing. I believe about 28 degrees. Once I have it running and bring it to time, if i give it gas, it will quit running.

Not in a 394. Was this before, or after, the problem started.

Timing chain had a lot of slack anyway
Strong spark? Enough to jump a ¼" to ⅜" gap?

Does have a strong spark. Plugs are a little fouled from the veh running rich. I did replace them not to long ago.

Enough fuel? Enough air? How does it react when you restrict (choke) the airflow?

Enough fuel and air. When I close the choke plate eng quits running.

Unless you know that for a fact, it is better left unsaid.

True

Could be a lot of things. No way to tell which, without a better description of the problem.


How long before?

I had the pertronix for about 2 weeeks -- I went to flush out my radiator and from then on it started giving problem. Firt the carb was getting flooded and then this. I just don't get it.

[Run to Rund]

I'm suspicious of the pertronix. Can you go back to stock ignition to verify it is not the problem?

[cisco88]

I'm suspicious of the pertronix. Can you go back to stock ignition to verify it is not the problem?


I'm going to be setting the stack ignition in a bit. I should be able to let you know later on today what happens. I was able to get a dist. for $40. Get back to you later on that thought.

[cisco88]

Well, sure enough it was the pertronix. Removed it and put the points back on. Car is now running. Thanx fellas.

[Oldsguy]

Excellent.