Need Help On A Non_dsm!!!

[Eclipsionz23]

ok, my dad has this '90 pontiac sunbird that he seems to think the timing is off in it.the car is really hard to start, it backfires, black smoke out the ass end, and sometimes it doesnt even start. it just acts like it might.well, after messing with the timing for a while, he decided that it must be the distributor cap. we replaced that, along with the rotor and the pick-up coil. STILL, it acts the same. now, i was just lookin thru some of the posts here tryin to diagnose the problem and couldnt really find anything related. thats why im posting this non dsm related problem. any help and suggestions would be great and much appreciated!!
thanx,
Eric

 

[candela]

hows cam timing? major retardation could cause this (<--- ) problem...

Assuming all else has checked out and thats what this is narrowed to then check both timings, wire order (sometimes peopel mix em up after cap install), plugs...etc

 

[crankbender]

When you replaced all that stuff did you reset the base timing with a light?

 

[Eclipsionz23]

Originally posted by crankbender
When you replaced all that stuff did you reset the base timing with a light?

not yet, will try that tho

much thanx!!

 

[crankbender]

Do it now.....not setting timing when you mess with the ignition can grenade the engine....

 

[Eclipsionz23]

Originally posted by crankbender
Do it now.....not setting timing when you mess with the ignition can grenade the engine....

ill have to check and see if the light we have works, if not then what?

 

[crankbender]

get one that does.....

just get one of the old school ones that goes between the #1 spark plug and boot....they work on ALL cars with a spark plug

 

[Defiant]

Clogged cataclysmic diverter.