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Timing mystery and other questions

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TexasSprite

TexasSprite

Jedi Hopeful
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After a new set of carbs exhibited a bit of a stumble upon accelleration, I decided to make sure everything was OK with valve lash, timing, points, etc.

Valves were a bit loose, so no problem to fix that up. Points were pitted, so pulled the distributor out to replace them. Managed to short the wires while assembling, so chased that for a while. Got that fixed, put the distributor back in (it only would fit one way). I set the timing by guess and the car started and felt pretty good while driving, idle is a bit rough.

Here is the mystery. The timing marks are now 180 degrees off. The timing light picks them up, but on the opposite side of the pulley. How can this be? I don't think you can put the distributor in wrong because the slot and key is off center, and even if you could, I don't think the car would run. I am puzzled!

I never noticed this before, but the coil seems pretty hot to the touch. Is this normal? It is a Lucas Sport Coil.
 
Are you sure the timing light is connected to the right plug wire? Should be to the #1 cylinder, which is the front of the engine. I can't imagine it would run at all if you had the plug wires connected wrong.

Coil shouldn't be hot. Probably you are using a coil without a ballast resistor and it needs one. You really should add one, or use an "internally ballasted" coil, as the coil may eventually die from this. It doesn't have anything to do with the other issue, though.
 
when you pulled the distributor, did you pull out the connecting shaft as well? The shaft will go in two ways which determines which way the distributor goes in. It is really easy to put in the shaft 180 out. Of course I doubt the car would start that way, but you never know. When pulling the shaft, always use a long bolt to screw into the threaded center of the shaft as it will easilly drop to the bitome of the pan if not carefull. Don't ask me how I know that! Check your fireing order as well to make sure it is correct and not reversed. That is the only thing I can think of to put the pully 180 iout unless it is the wron pully. Rough idel can also be caused by the nurelled shaft fitiings in the carbs being worn out. They should be replaced by a knowledgable mechanic.
 
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