Crazy advanced timing - 1994 5.0 LX (Chevy 305)

bob_chak

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Aug 1, 2017
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Hi all - I changed the cap, rotor and wires on my '94 (Thunderbolt IV ignition). When I checked the timing tonight, the notch on the harmonic balancer was on the OTHER side of the engine, i.e when facing the engine, instead of being around 1 o'clock (or anywhere near the timing tab), the notch it is closer to 9/10 o'clock. The problem is that I can't turn the distributor clockwise any farther to retard it - the distributor body is stopped by other parts on the rear of the engine.

The engine will start and idle but I can't believe this much advance is healthy. Prior to changing the cap, rotor and wires (which I believe were original), the timing was approximately 8 degrees BTDC but it did not like to restart - even when warm - without giving it some throttle.

Besides retracing all the plug wires to ensure proper installation, what should I be doing next? Thanks.
 
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