I need help resetting my timing. I have replaced the chain because I couldn't get it to start when before it was running. I noticed the chain had a lot of slack in it. I then put new sprockets in and chain. When replacing the points I had to pull the distributor to find a loose screw. Anyways I am now chasing the timing around with the distributor. There has to be an easier way. I have tried to set it to TDC but to no avail it still won't even sputter. Any ideas?

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I never dreamed about success I worked for it - Estee Lauder

Did it run between replacing the timing chain and pulling the distributor? Generally, replacing multiple parts at once is a bad idea as it adds confusion when try to diagnose issues that crop up as a result of one or the other repair.

When installing the distributor keep in mind that there are 2 TDC settings for cylinder number one. You are looking for TDC on the compression stroke. If you are setting your distributor while cylinder #1 is at TDC on the exhaust stroke the engine won't run or will run very poorly.

Try setting the engine to TDC, put in the distributor pointing at cylinder #1. Crank it over. If it doesn't run, reset the engine to TDC and take a look at the distributor. If it is pointing at cylinder #1, set it to cylinder #6. Otherwise set it to cylinder #1.

If this doesn't work, your issue could still be the cam isn't degreed correctly. Or that when replacing the points something else went wrong. Good luck!

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'66 Dodge Dart

It did run for a while. I had pulled it out of the garage it had been in for 20 years put a little gas in the carb and new battery and it started right up. i then ran it for a while and then one day it wouldn't start but it still tried. I then replaced the starter, carb, plugs, wires, points, and timing chain. I still feel it is out of time. I did try to set it back to TDC when it didn't start I then without resetting TDC moved the distributor 180 degrees to try and compensate but still nothing. I tried pouring fuel directly in the carb on both TDC's and still nothing so I don't feel its a fuel delivery problem but a timing issue. please any other ideas?

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I never dreamed about success I worked for it - Estee Lauder

You mentioned it tries to start. Does it fire while the key is in the start position the. Die as soon as you release the key? If so you should check your ballast resistor.

I'd see if you are getting spark. Hook up a timing light and crank it over. If it doesn't strobe no spark and you'll have a good lead on a potential fix. If you do get a strobe, check the timing with the vacuum advance unplugged to see if you get reasonable readings.

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'66 Dodge Dart

It has two new ballast resistors but I'll check the vacuum advance.

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I never dreamed about success I worked for it - Estee Lauder

OK update still nothing when I turn the key the motor just spins. It doesn't cough or anything. If the timing is off how close can it be to at least run like crap? I swear if I am off TDC it is only by a fraction of an inch. Is there an easier way to chase timing then to keep adjusting the distributor?

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I never dreamed about success I worked for it - Estee Lauder

(1) pull the valve cover
(2) using the bolt on the vibration damper or the belts and the fan, turn the crank cockwise (WITH THE KEY OFF) and watch the movement of the valves on thr #1 cylinder.
(3) Keep tuning the crank clockwise until the #1 intake valve opens and then closes
(4) after the #1 intake closes, keep turning the crank while watching the timing tab. Stop turning the crank when the timing mark reaches TDC or 0 on the timing tab.
(5) Remove the distributor cap and look where the rotor is pointing. The rotor should be pointing at the #1 spark plug tower. If the rotor is not pointing at the #1 spark plug tower, you will have to adjust the distriubtor (if it is close) or pull the distributor and spin the rotor until the rotor does point at the #1 plug tower.
(6) Put it all back together and try to start it. Timng around TDC will be close enough to at least get the motor running until you can run back around and set it proerly. If you have an assistant, have them crank the engine while you slowly rotate the distributor counter clockwise (to advance the timing).

Well I am giving in and it is going to the shop tomorrow. I will report back with the conclusion of this issue.

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I never dreamed about success I worked for it - Estee Lauder

Replace the condenser in the distributor......might be bad but an easy fix and they aren't expensive.......had a similar problem a while back, don't know what made the condenser go bad but replaced it and it fired right up......

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1964 Dodge Dart 270 four door. Three speed automatic 225 Slant with a Carter BBS carb.

Well so far they have called and I have two bent push rods. Waiting on parts will keep updated to what ends up happening.

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I never dreamed about success I worked for it - Estee Lauder

Push rods bent, is not good....must have had something loose with valve train......

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1964 Dodge Dart 270 four door. Three speed automatic 225 Slant with a Carter BBS carb.