After replacing vaccuum lines, rotor, distributer cap and wires, I decided to embark on timing my '84 2M4 with an '86 swapped motor. (I have yet to have it running decent). The motor ran well in the Pontiac 6000 it came from. I read the deck lid label and my Haynes manual so I had a basic understanding of what I was about to get myself into. I connected a and b on the aldl got my ses flashing 1-2-1-2 etc. I hooked up my timing light, started the car and to my suprise the mark on the pulley was not even close to the plate.
Do I just loosen the distributer with the engine running and turn it counter clockwise or clockwise? I am looking for an average of 8* btdc between #1 and #4 cylinders right?

The car starts and idles very well but when it comes up to temp it will cut out and die. When you put it into gear at any time it dies unless you are on the throttle. Does any of this sound familliar to any PFFr's The fuel pump is brand new and I am runnig out of parts to replace.

Thanks in advance and hope to hear from the forum soon.

You've got the idea right. So long as you're sure A and B are still connected, go ahead and turn the distributer slowly until the mark lines up.
If you're worried about messing things up, you can put a mark on the distributer to indicate where it is now.

1. bring engine to normal operating temp
2, loosen distributor hold down bolt
3. jumper a & b at aldl connector
4. re-start engine
5. set timing light on # 1 plug
6. turn distributor to reach 10 % before TDC on timing tab
7. turn off engine
8. set timing light on # 4 plug & repeat step # 6.
9, When both # 1 & # 4 are set to 10 % before TDC ---remove paper clip from aldl a & b connector
10. Tighten distributor bolt
*** 8 degrees from TDC on 4 cylinder****

You can turn the distributor while the engine is running? Like I mean the top portion right, like the portion that has the 2 plug in's for the coil and ign module? So you just turn that till your mark is close or what?

quote Originally posted by olaf_fiero27: You can turn the distributor while the engine is running? Like I mean the top portion right, like the portion that has the 2 plug in's for the coil and ign module? So you just turn that till your mark is close or what?

Yes, you turn distributor while car is running--in the middle , so you don`t get shocked. Turn until the white mark in the dampner `s widest groove lines up with your timing tab of 10 % from TDC.