I put my timing light on it And I'm getting some were between 10 and A? what does that mean??

 

I now I need a new disty but can't afford it right now.

It means you need a new distrubutor.

 

nipper

ok anyone got one?

That's normal if you don't have the green "test mode" plugs connected.

ECU is continuously making spark timing adjustments.

 

The test mode plugs must be connected when setting (or checking) the timing.

ECU stops the dynamic adjustment.

 

In a turbo, look for a male/female pair of green T-shaped connectors under the dash. Right next the the black code check plugs.

(possibly incorrect: ) Non-turbo's have the plugs under the hood by the wiper motor. Green test and white code check. XT's have the plugs in the trunk.

Lots of plug info if you search for checking CEL / error codes.

I believe he is talking about his 1981 DL that he has listed under his "Vehicles". Did you plug the vaccuum lines?

i was assuming it was the 1981 too.

 

Vacume line would show an even arc of timing change, not a jumping around.

 

Unless he was seeing an even arc and thought it was jumping.

 

nipper

The vacuum line shouldn't be an issue at idle anyway. There's no vacuum signal at idle, unless mine is messed up????

I just replaced the dizzy in my hatch since the bushings were worn, tach jumping, wierd noises, etc. The timing mark would always jump with the worn dizzy, the new(used) one I just put in is smooth.

You need a distributor. I think there's a nice rebuilt one on Ebay for an 81.

droped in new one. world of difference. still no power, I think I have to give up on this. my carb is not liking me...