Distributor and Timing question

[dm36415]

Please bear in mind that I am a newbie, and never afraid to show how stupid I am by asking questions that may be unrealistic.

Just installed a Pertonix Ignitor II, rewired it car runs.

Car was running OK before installing it.

Prior to installing it, I figured I would need to adjust the timing after installation, and bought a timing light. Checked the timing prior to installation, and it was way off. When I went to bring it into proper timing, the car ran terribly, then died. Only way to have the car run was to set the timing off.

I didn't do anything at that time, as I knew the points were old, and thought perhaps this was a compensatory symptom.

Now that I've installed the new system, seems Timing is even further off, and can't swing the distributor enough to make it run well.

Long story short, the PO did some insane things to this car. Is it possible that the distributor has been installed incorrectly?

Any guidance in how I can rectify this?

Thanks, as always.

[ossiblue]

Dave,

I'm no expert, but others will soon join in and I'll get the ball rolling.
Sounds like the distributor may be installed slightly off. I did a bone head thing once(well, once that I'll admit to today) and removed the dizzy without first setting the engine to Top Dead Center. After a little fiddling, I set the #1 piston to TDC, reinstalled the distributor with the rotor pointing to the notch, and was able to reset timing easily.

I would suggest you check to see if your rotor points to the notch (#1 cylinder wire positon) when the pulley is lined up with the TDC mark. If it's way off, you may need to crank around once more to TDC. Regardless, the rotor position should be very close.

Since you said you were a newbie, if I lost you, I'm sorry. I wish I had pictures, but if you have a Porsche repair book, there should be some illustrations, as well as here on the boards. I'm sure some one will chime in soon and clarify the whole thing, but maybe this is a start

Good luck,
Larry

[dm36415]

Thanks Larry, at TDC the rotor head is lined up with the mark on the distributor.

[dm36415]

Additional information that may be relevant.

Is it possible that this car has the wrong distributor installed?

When I pulled the old parts off to install the Pertronix, I removed a condenser, along with the points, which I understand hadn't been used since the 60's. The wire from the condenser to points was cut, since the car was running ok and I knew i was going to the Pertronix soon, I had never messed with it.

[RoninLB]

i guess the Pertronix # 1867 was installed ?

if so disconnect the distributor vacuum module hose and plug it permanently.
Set initial advance at 0. Set idle to 1,000rpm. Confirm 0 ignition advance at 1,000rpm.

Find the grove on the pulley representing 35deg with engine stopped.

Restart engine and check advance at around 5,000rpm. The timing light should read on this 35deg notch. Wack the throttle to confirm your 35deg reading.

If it reads below this 35deg notch rotate the distributor to allow a maximum of 35degrees.


i am assuming 8.5 compression with stock or RS pistons.

[RoninLB]

[dm36415]

I installed the Ignitor II, part 91867. I also installed a new Flame Thower II coil.

Same instructions as above apply?

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by dm36415
I installed the Ignitor II, part 91867. I also installed a new Flame Thower II coil.

Same instructions as above apply?

i can only assume that 91867 is the same as 1867 to replace points.


sure give it a try. The above is doable on a stock 1977 stock engine.


ps: i can't comment on that coil.