timing problems

[4404spdcharger]

Just got the 440 back from a freshen up and dyno.  Everything went fine.  Now I've got a problem.  When I wind out the engine in any gear, the engine starts to buck and miss.  I come home and put the timing light on it at idle (800 rpms) to verify 14 degrees BTDC.   It's OK but when I goose the engine, the timing goes up to around 38 but only comes down to about 20.  I goose it a couple more times and the timing never comes down to 14.  The vacuum advance is disconnected.  I replaced the dual points with a Pertronix Igniter II a few years ago but it's been no problem.  If I shut the engine down and restart, the timing is 14 BTDC.  Goose it and it only comes down to around 20.   What's the deal?? Any suggestions?  Is this causing the bucking at high rpms?

[c00nhunterjoe]

Ran fine on dyno but not in car- says fuel lroblem to me. Check fuel pressure. As for timing- springs wore out probably

[69wannabe]

What kind of distributor are you using? May have to take it apart and clean the weight's and check to see that they are moving freely! May be time for a new firecore distributor!! I have heard good review's about them!

[4404spdcharger]

I'm using the stock Chrysler dual point distributor.  I wonder if the Igniter II unit is causing a problem but no way to trouble shoot except by buying another so I'm trying to eliminate all possibilities first.  The fuel pump is brand new.  I'm thinking of pulling the fuel gauge and filter sock to see its condition.  I have the distributor out and apart and all looks OK.  I'm going to examine the springs and check to see the weights are free to come back when rpms come down.  Thanks for the suggestions.

[4404spdcharger]

Problem solved.  After much head scratching, I decided to look at fuel as a cause.  I checked the fuel filter at the AVS - no blockage.  I cranked the engine (coil disconnected) and there was little gas being pumped thru the fuel line.  Hmm.  Disconnected the output from the fuel pump and again pretty puny fuel output.  Then I remembered a thread about the fuel actuator rod, the one driven off the camshaft.  I removed it and measured it at just slightly over 3" in length.  A new one has a length of 3.25"   Yikes!!   I replaced the rod and the engine has never run so well.  Thanks to the forum, my problem is solved. 

[firefighter3931]

Good detective work ! 

That stupid pushrod has caused more than a few head scratching sessions over the years.   

Make sure you're using an extreme pressure additive in your oil to prevent premature wear all over again. 


Ron