Still Frickin Hot - Update

[Double Venom]

Watched this with great interest, couldn't wait to throw in my 2-cents in, but thought that the timing guru's hit it right on the head....and I still think they have.

Here goes a simple but time consuming test.

remove plus battery cable first please
Get a helper
Pull #1 plug
Pull the valve cover off - over #1

Place thumb or finger over plug hole and have your assistant manually rotate the crank until you can feel compression building up. (There will be no mistakeing it)

Then, I use a long thin blade screwdriver, (I know much more techy tools can be used) slide it carefully in to the cylinder until contact with the piston. Have your assistant, - I use 1/2 drive for this, rotate the engine over while you hold onto the screwdriver shaft between your fingers.

Once both #1 valves are totally up, you should also have felt the screwdriver reach it's maximum height. You can rock the motor back and forth a little and pretty much feel where TDC is with the screwdriver.

Now pull the dist. cap. Where is it pointing? Check you harmonic balancer, is it in line with the pointer?

OK, if you know by feeling that you have #1 piston at TDC and either one of your #1 valves are the least bit down, then you have jumped a tooth on the timing belt. (Not likely and make sure your #1 is on a compression stroke-not intake or exhaust)

If the rotor is not within, 1/4" or less of pointing at #1, simply pull and reset the dist.

If the balancer has spun, safest thing is to replace.

In my honest and humble opinion it HAS to be timing. Pure and simple. I can't believe any street engine will even start with your inicated timing, let alone start.

Good luck...we'll be watching.

Ok...back to my rock

DV

PS I know my instructions are sometimes clear as mud. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you decide to go this route!