Intermittent timing problem

[robhamster]

Alright, so I dont get flamed right away, I have searched this forum many times to no avail so far. I have an 84 3.2 Cab with 131K miles. Recently the car started having some missing problems mainly around 3000 rpm and will not idle. I am fairly sure it is an electrical problem as when it happens, the exhaust has dark smoke suggesting unburned gasoline. As quickly as it comes it goes away. I have had the local wrench, work out the idle problem, so that when this ignition problem is not happening, the car idles great and runs great. I have changed the fuel pump (DME) relay several times ( I carry three with me in the car), recent plug change and valve adjustment, I have checked and repaired the solder joints in the DME as that has been a problem in the past. My local wrench says that he has never seen the flywheel sensors go bad, and if they do, they are not intermittent.

This happens whether the car is warmed up or not. when it happens, it lasts anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes and will not go away if I stop and start the car. It goes away on its own sometimes while I am driving and sometimes when I stop and then start the car.

Thoughts, anyone?

[E Sully]

Check the cylinder head temp sensor.