Timing troubles

[Geophilist]

I have an '82 Excella MoHo with a stock 454 with low milage (36k). I am having trouble geting her timing set.

I set up on #5 cylinder, vacuum disconnected and pluged, and am using the timing marks on the oil sump. When I set the timing at factory recommended 4 degrees bthc, the engine runs really rough. If I go to about 16 degrees btdc it smothes out.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what is going on?

Thanks,

Steve

[safari57]

Steve

I have never used any other cylinder but #1 to set the timing. I've tuned a lot of big block Chevy's and this is the first I've heard of using another cylinder.

Is there a trick I never knew about?

Did you have the distributor out?

Barry

[drag'nwagon]

Try and time it on #1, if you cant get it there than you have another issue.

[Geophilist]

Barry and Dave,

You can't really see the markings on the motorhome in the usual place, and that is why they put markings on the underside of the coach. The indicators are 180 degrees from the topside ones, so you have to set up on #5, which, I believe, is 180 degrees from #1. Or so I have read here.

I have not taken out the distributor, but perhaps a PO did so. I have had this coach a long while, and it always wants high test or it pings. I am envious of those of you who are able to use regular, so I am trying to get to that point if I can.

Thanks.

Steve

[Robfike]

I have not checked/set the timing yet on our '86 345. It runs great on 87 octane regular. Try checking with Steven Webster, he has used the #5 procedure.
Rob