info

[Heath Parker]

Hello all,
	I had a similar prob on my 84 chevy truck--which did not have a feedback
carburetor or FI and whose ignition retard system was completely analog,
w/o trouble codes, etc.  I first replaced the knock sensor itself, which
fixed it for about 2 weeks, then it started the same thing at idle--timing
varying widely.  This distributor has mechanical advance weights, Vacuum
advance and a 5-wire(er, 5-terminal) module-- 
I _think_ but am not sure this is an "ESC" distributor.  Unfortunately, I
can't give you any rock-hard "it's this part" answers as I finally got
frustrated and yanked it, as I was certain the motor was not knocking. 
Very little service info available (that I could find) for these.
However, I can suggest checking these things: 
A) wiring to Knock sensor--near exhaust-need I say more?
B) Ignition module itself (I have seen a plain HEI do strange things w/ a
bad module)
C) Mechanical advance springs--Are they too weak, and fluctuating?

PS  One known symptom:  Advance timing(at dist.), and it falls 4 deg.;
repeats if you try to advance some more--sometimes will stall motor, as
timing ran to about 6 late(after).  
----------
> From: Mark Glicksman <mglicksm at suffolk.lib.ny.us>
> To: diy_efi at coulomb.eng.ohio-state.edu
> Subject: Re: info
> Date: Friday, April 18, 1997 2:19 AM
> 
> Jennifer Rose wrote:
> > 
> > Hi All
> > 
> >         Nieghbor came over and wanted help on his 82 Camaro. Local shop
told
> > him that he need a esc module because timing didn't advance. Module is
well
> > over $100 at GM, only source. Check timing and found it advances with
or
> > without module attached. Main symtom appears to be idle varies widely.
I
> > suspected module is for retarding if pinging is sensed. Can anyone help
?
> > The 82 has cross fire injection, all simple tune up items have been
done.
> > Car does pass smog test for calif.
> > 
> > Thanks Vance
> 
> Hey Vance,
> 
> <snipped interesting junkyard idea>
> 
> 			VTY
> 			Mark Glicksman
> 			mglicksm at suffolk.lib.ny.us