Help me diagnose... is this a timing chain issue? 20R

[rblain82]

Hey yall, help me out. It starts and doesn't die, but sounds like crap and has a miss... is this a bad timing chain?? or what else?? 1980 20R

 

[Mudder]

For the timing chain, just pull the valve cover and look down at the guides.

 

[pappy]

Before assuming the worst, or something sinister ... I would start with the basics. Plugs, wires, and dizzy cap/rotor ok?

 

[rblain82]

I can tell that something is not right... Plugs and wires are fairly new. not sure about distributor parts.

 

[Napoleon047]

I would check the ignition timing and the function of the vacuum advance, which could easily explain your rough idle.

Then do a compression check and check for oil soaked plugs, given the smoke.