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Had the car running with regualr points, changed to electronic ignition. Will start, but is sluggish and backfiring. When I put the light on, the mark is up high, just below the water pump. Cannot get the mark down to the timing marks. Removed the coil bracket and tried to retime, can turn the distibutor towards the firewall and the timing mark will come down into the timing mark area. But it is very, very sluggish and will not stay running that way? I put the coil back in place and got the timing close by hand, the car will run, but still backfires, sluggish, etc. Something is not right? I checked all the spark plug wires and they are correct. Could the distributor have to be removed and maybe moved over another "tooth"
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Re: 64 coupe timing problem
Bob
Yes, it could be, this happens alot. Get the timing mark at TDC on the compression stroke of No. 1 cylinder and then put the distributor back in so rotor lines up with No. 1 plug wire. Remember that the rotor is going to turn as the teeth mesh so start the rotor a little before the No.1 plug wire.
Terry -
Re: 64 coupe timing problem
IIRC, these conversions are very easy to do. Why not replace the points just to see how the car runs with them. It seems odd that the car is running poorly when all you did was convert to electronic ignition. If you convert it back, as a means of troubleshooting, that will tell you more than playing with the distributor. You must have changed SOMETHING else out or made some other small error.
GaryComment
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Re: 64 coupe timing problem
Don't assume that the timing mark on the dampener is in the correct position. It is quite common on older harmonic dampeners for the rubber insert to deteriorate causing the outer ring to move relative to the innerr ring. Check by using a piston stop tool (type that threads into the spark plug opening). It's also helpful to have a vacuum gauge hooked up while you're timing the engine - max vacuum should be achieved near correct initial timing. Send me an e-mail if you're not familiar with the procedure for checking and calibrating the timing mark on the balancer.Comment
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Re: 64 coupe timing problem
Bob,
I had the same problem with my 1964. Could only retard the timing so much before the vacuum can hit the coil bracket. Turned out that the distributor was not stabbed properly (one or two teeth off as you suggested).
Not sure what other issues you may be having with your electronic ignition conversion, but here is what you can to ensure that your distributor is stabbed correctly.
Remove the spark plug from the number one cylinder (driver's side closest to the front of the car)
Put your finger inside the spark plug hole. Have an assistant bump the engine until you feel compressed air from the compression stroke push against your finger (you will know it when it happens). Observe the timing mark on the balancer--should be near the scale. If not, you may have an issue with balancer as described in an earlier post. Bump the engine until the timing mark is at approx. 8 degrees.
Stab your distributor so that the rotor tip is pointing at the position on the distributor cap just clockwise to the points window (number one wire position) and the vacuum can is approx. at the midpoint between the coil and carb. Remember to orient the rotor tip approx. 20 degrees counter clockwise to its intended final resting point when you first stab the distributor. Also remember to orient the slot in the oil pump rod to point in the same direction as the FINAL position of the rotor (a very large flat blade screwdriver comes in handy here)
Replace the wire on the number on plug. Turn the ignition to "ON". Hold the loose plug against the exhaust manifold and slowly rotate the distributor back and forth noting where you get a spark. Slowly turn the distributor until you just get a spark and stop. This will get your timing very close.
Tighten the distributor clamp, replace the plug and wire, say a silent prayer, and turn the key. The engine should fire right up and you will be able to time it properly.
Good luck!Comment
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