403 timing question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old July 3rd, 2021, 01:27 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
liquify33's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Katy, TX
Posts: 88
403 timing question

Bone stock’77 Vista Cruiser, EGR/ smog deleted (broken) and distributor vacuum line tee’d from transmission (manifold).
With distributor line disconnected and plugged it’s at 10* advance.

The timing chain came loose on a lemons rally, we installed a new set and I think the timing is off. We initially installed the timing 180 out so I reinstalled the distributor with the rotor pointing at #1 at TDC (0 mark on timing tab).

10* is all I can get without the vacuum hitting the firewall. Car runs smooth at idle, bogs at part throttle.

Main question: what should my timing be at with the distributor vacuum plugged?

Thanks in advance (no pun intended).




liquify33 is offline  
Old July 3rd, 2021, 02:21 PM
  #2  
Administrator
 
oldcutlass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
Posts: 41,060
You need to get the engine at #1 TDC, pull the distributor and reorient the body so you'll have clearance. Then reinstall with the rotor pointing to #1.
oldcutlass is online now  
Old July 3rd, 2021, 04:40 PM
  #3  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
liquify33's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Katy, TX
Posts: 88
Originally Posted by oldcutlass
You need to get the engine at #1 TDC, pull the distributor and reorient the body so you'll have clearance. Then reinstall with the rotor pointing to #1.
I was thinking I need to advance it a tooth. What ballpark degree should I be aiming for with the emissions stuff bypassed? Stock system was a weird hybrid ported w/EGR and a spark advance modulator that was found broken in the glovebox. I can’t tell if 10* is too much or not enough, great in P or N but a bog dog in D. It was not this boggy before the timing chain came loose, but when that happened any “how was it before” info went out the window.
liquify33 is offline  
Old July 3rd, 2021, 05:35 PM
  #4  
Out of Line, Everytime😉
 
olds 307 and 403's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Melville, Saskatchewan
Posts: 9,142
You want the 20 degree at 1100 rpm, that is usually the spec. I have seen 13 to 22 degrees at 1100 on Olds V8'S, so it does vary some. You can put the spark plug wires one post back to get enough advance without removing the distributor.
olds 307 and 403 is offline  
Old July 3rd, 2021, 06:25 PM
  #5  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
liquify33's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Katy, TX
Posts: 88
Originally Posted by olds 307 and 403
You want the 20 degree at 1100 rpm, that is usually the spec. I have seen 13 to 22 degrees at 1100 on Olds V8'S, so it does vary some. You can put the spark plug wires one post back to get enough advance without removing the distributor.
I may do that and test, I did not remember that trick until your reply. If it’s good I can fix it right later.

Thanks!
liquify33 is offline  
Old July 3rd, 2021, 06:43 PM
  #6  
Old(s) Fart
 
joe_padavano's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 48,255
Rather than pull the distributor you can accomplish the same thing by moving all the plug wires one tower on the cap.
joe_padavano is offline  
Old July 3rd, 2021, 06:47 PM
  #7  
Registered User
 
Sugar Bear's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,341
If an engine is at TDC on the compression stroke, then rotated in the shortest direction to the base timing spec e.g.' 20° before stabbing the distributor with the rotor pointing at #1 it will start much more easily. When the engine is left at TDC 0° on the compression stroke and the spec is 20° the engine is struggling to start due to the timing being off by 20°.​​​​​​
Sugar Bear is offline  
Old July 13th, 2021, 09:30 AM
  #8  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
liquify33's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Katy, TX
Posts: 88
She's back!

@oldcutlass @olds 307 and 403 @joe_padavano @Sugar Bear
Thanks for the help fellas. I reinstalled distributor around 16*, did some ear tweaking and she's back! No bog at part or full throttle -- there may be further tweaking required but I'm gonna go cruise some Vistas and enjoy that marshmellow ride!

In case anyone else runs into timing problems after losing a chain: The fuel pump fits in perfectly at #1 TDC, but will not seat at #6 TDC. Lesson learned.

Thanks again for all of your help, I'll put up some pics of the old girl in the general thread soon. A basket case but FUN!
liquify33 is offline  
Old July 13th, 2021, 09:32 AM
  #9  
Administrator
 
oldcutlass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
Posts: 41,060
Glad you got it.
oldcutlass is online now  
Old July 13th, 2021, 11:53 AM
  #10  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
liquify33's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Katy, TX
Posts: 88
Originally Posted by oldcutlass
Glad you got it.
Thanks to the advice here! I did have to lube up the mechanical advance and the vacuum advance was slightly bent (maybe binding?).

Corrected those issues and all is well. I’ve been after this and a leaking gas tank for 2 weeks and she’s so happy now.
liquify33 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dodger007
442
13
August 30th, 2020 05:09 PM
AndyG123
General Discussion
19
April 9th, 2020 08:53 AM
Cutlass455
General Discussion
6
March 2nd, 2017 12:45 PM
silverriff
General Discussion
11
March 18th, 2010 12:44 PM
dingusboy
General Questions
12
April 2nd, 2009 02:56 AM



Quick Reply: 403 timing question



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:54 PM.