timing problems
 

i recently adjusted the timing to 10 btdc, and reconnected the spout connector because it was rattling at low rpm. when going up hill at low rpm, i pressed the gas pedal enough to up-shift. i got a serious lack of power after upshifting and had to let up on the gas to pick up speed. what does this mean? i don't have timing marks, so i looked closely and marked where i saw 10 btdc. maybe i marked the wrong place? how much is it to have the timing done at a repair shop? i figure they can adjust it accurately without timing marks, and i can use it as a reference point afterward.

hm
 

Back in the day i had my car timmed on machine that needed no light. it costed me $30. You timming should be set for 12-14 degrees for stock or mildly modified motor.

i'm not even sure if it's pinging. it may be the stamped steel lifters i'm hearing. i have it set at about 14 degrees, and it runs fine except for that sound. probably the lifters.

I think you mean stamped steel rockers, but anyways you are probably hearing pinging. The rockers should be quiet unless they're loose, then you would hear the noise all the time, not just under load. I had an 86 that would not take more than 12-13 degrees no matter what. Some engines just react differently than others.

oops! i did mean rockers. i don't know how lifters came out. i'm confused about how to measure timing. is it right in the center of the pointer or directly above it? anyhow, i'm just a few degrees above the recommended 10 btc. i'm currently using 87 octane, maybe i'll switch to 93 and see what happens.

The pointers on these are a little confusing... The top is the hole...but ignore the hole! It's there to confuse you...lol.. On the bottom, there should be a little line etched in. It's not at the very end, but a centimeter or two from the left end of the timing plate I think.

ok thanks. i figured it was someplace around the pointed part. i didn't see a line. the markings don't stay very well. based on that, i should be at about 14 or 15 degrees.