Posted by Bob on March 03, 2000 at 16:12:20:
Hey all, I need some advice. I have a problem where my wm300 with
a 251 c.i. engine has a tendency to skip when under load, like when I am lugging her a little, like when I am in 4th gear, but
a little slow on the mph...New plugs and wires installed, new
points and condensor shortly. I have a feeling it's probably the
timing or a worn distributor. I went to check the timing, and
the pointer on the timing chain cover does not come out to a point, like on my 230 c.i. engine in my 42 wc54 ambulance, but rather, on the 251 c.i. in the wm300, it just sticks out and is
squared off. None of the mopar service manuals I have show a
picture of this, so I have nothing to go on. Here are the questions. I spoke to Stev at Vintage P.W.'s about it. He was
very helpful, but said mostly, the old timers just set the
timeing by ear and by running it down the road, to see how she'd
run. If I look at the front pulley, where the timing marks
should be, I don't see any, although it is kinda rusty. I
wire brushed it some, but can't see anything...Are the marks supposed to be on the pulley. Also, if I find the marks on the
pulley, which side of the square sheet metal pointer do I time
it to ? Drivers side, passenger side, or dead center. One last
thing, I looked in two Mopar service guides I have, and they
are conflicting as to the degrees. One says 5 degrees BTC, and the other says 2.5 degrees BTC. Steve told me it should be
timed somewhere around 2-4 degrees ATC ( after top dead center )
In advance, thanks to anyone who can help me out on this
confusing situation. Bob.