Timing problems 1985 2.8 (Page 1/1) Notamechanic OCT 18, 04:25 PM Trying to set timing with a light. It was way off. When looking at the balancer like a clock it was around 10 o'clock. When adjusting the distibutor to get the mark close to the tab, engine would die before even getting close. Setting the timing based off how the engine sounds, it would be back around the 9-10 o'clock position. At that position the engine would run but only under throttle. The second my foot came off the throttle it would die. If I reved and shifted into drive, the car would take off and accelerate just fine until I had to stop. It has fresh fuel (would octane make a difference), fuel filter, new spark plugs, injectors, no vaccum leaks (checked twice with smoke machine) , fuel pump and Idol Conntrol Valve. Did my balancer slip and that's why the timing mark is way off? Or timing chain? It's my first time doing any sort of work like this. I've been relying on forums such as this and the two service manuals for all my info up to this point. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Other info that might be handy is the previous owner installed the new distributor, then the egr has been deleted along with the cruise control, also done by a previous owner. Patrick OCT 18, 04:31 PM quote Originally posted by Notamechanic: Did my balancer slip and that's why the timing mark is way off? Very possible. It's not an uncommon occurrence. Read over This thread. Gall757 OCT 18, 04:52 PM I wonder if your previous owner got the plug wires right on the new distributor. Patrick OCT 18, 06:45 PM We're assuming (because you've been consulting the service manuals) that you had the ALDL jumper in place while you were doing the ignition timing. Notamechanic OCT 20, 05:52 AM Yeah I had the pin connected in the console and the engine light flashing. Looks like the balancer slipped. Rubber was being pushed out and falling apart. I got a new one coming. Also looks like JB weld on the keyhole? I will probably do the timing chain and water pump while I am at it since I already have the kits. Mickey_Moose OCT 25, 04:03 PM Curious as to where you ordered your balancer from?