[JeepScrambler]

Sounds like you are doing it right, your timing might just be that far off that it isn't showing up. It might be just slightly ATDC(retarded) or quite a bit BTDC(advanced). If I had to take a guess, I would say your engine is slightly ATDC. You could try increasing the RPM with the timing light hooked up and see if the timing mark begins to show up; if I remember correctly you can turn the distributor clockwise to retard the timing, counter-clockwise to advance.

[mcmud]

An image indicating (yellow) those positions that JeepScrambler is referring to that are near impossible to see the mark.

[esearscj7]

Is your timing light the kind that has timing advance knob on the back? If so, make sure that knob is turned to 0. Ask me how I know. :-)

[Matt1981CJ7]

Also, make sure your vacuum advance is disconnected when you check timing.

Since you are running s-port vacuum, and it's incorrectly showing 10" at idle, you are probably pulling advance at idle which would put the timing mark out of view.

Matt

[gingermesiah]

Originally Posted by Matt1881CJ7

Also, make sure your vacuum advance is disconnected when you check timing.

Since you are running s-port vacuum, and it's incorrectly showing 10" at idle, you are probably pulling advance at idle which would put the timing mark out of view.

Matt

it's disconnected with the vacuum gauge attached at s port, was just going to leave it there until I get the vacuum is dialed in.

[gingermesiah]

Originally Posted by esearscj7

Is your timing light the kind that has timing advance knob on the back? If so, make sure that knob is turned to 0. Ask me how I know. :-)

I have the cheapest one harbor freight has. no knobs no adjustmens, just a trigger and three wires.

[gingermesiah]

Originally Posted by JeepScrambler

Sounds like you are doing it right, your timing might just be that far off that it isn't showing up. It might be just slightly ATDC(retarded) or quite a bit BTDC(advanced). If I had to take a guess, I would say your engine is slightly ATDC. You could try increasing the RPM with the timing light hooked up and see if the timing mark begins to show up; if I remember correctly you can turn the distributor clockwise to retard the timing, counter-clockwise to advance.

I think thats a great idea. just need a second person to help out. that means a beer run. jk

[gingermesiah]

Originally Posted by Matt1881CJ7

Ginger,

Yes, that is the s-port, but you shouldn't be reading 10" at idle. It should read 0" at idle and then climb with RPMs. I suspect your out-of-whack carb settings are causing this.

Your manifold pressure isn't bad, though I'd prefer to see it around 16-18" at idle.

Post a picture of your plugs, if you can.

Matt

I'll post the pic as soon as I get home. wires were all in the right location. plugs were all sooty black (probably because of my rich tuning) plugs have only been in a few months, mostly with the jeep sitting unused.

Replaced all the plugs with autolite platinum, changed the oil (what oil do you jeepers recommend?), oil filter, fuel filter "just in case". and double checked for spark on the first three cyliners (then I shocked myself and lost motivation). My spark is orange in color... shouldn't it be blue/white? Does this mean I have electical issues?