L31MaxExpress
I'm Awesome
I have seen a lot of people set the base timing without disconnecting the EST connector as well. That will make the Initial advance setting 15-20* off, timing retarded by whatever advance the ECM is commanding for idle and the engine will run like garbage. Higher mileage engine I would question the accuracy of the balancers timing mark all together as well. I use the balancer as an initial starting reference point, then feed it more timing 2* at a time until it runs best. I have seen balancer timing marks and timing pointers 30* or more off. Could also grab a TDC stop, install it in #1, roll the engine lightly against it forward with a socket and ratchet on the crank bolt, then roll it backwards, marking each point on the balancer where it lines up with the TDC mark on the pointer. If the mark is accurate, should be halfway between each mark you made if you measure it.
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