78 d150 318 auto timing questions

[Rude Robert]

Hi from behind the Iron Curtain (California). I just passed the dreaded smog check yesterday timing was set at 2 degrees after tdc like California wants it, but it runs like crap back fires if pushed too hard. Then I have to reset the timing when I get home and it likes it too far out to even see it with the timing light. I thought maybe the mark on the balancer may be off, so I put a screw driver in and watched it as I turned the engine ever so slowly. I think the mark is right on, so what gives? This was rebuilt by a pretty good machine shop too. Any suggestions thanks

 

[7mopar]

Yes if it runs ok there forget about where to timing mark is and enjoy till the next dreaded inspection. To many things have changed since 1978 to expected anything to run properly where it once did.

 

[Rude Robert]

Lol I know that you are right hehe