Rule out the easy and basic 1st. 1st check the compression, one bad cylinder and everything else is pointless. The timing must be checked. When you do with the engine off grab hold of the distributor and try to rotate it by hand without lossening the hold down bolt, don't be afraid to give it some force BY HAND, it shouldn't move. Seen many smallblocks that "slipped there timing" a couple degrees in my life. Hows your oil look & smell on the dipstick or under the fill cap? mild fuel smell, to rich on the carb. Oil so thin it runs off the stick and smells like your fuel tank?, stop running it and change the oil or the engine is toast. You probably cranked a lot of raw fuel through it with the wires off one. Foamy or milky oil? Indicates water in oil, head gasket or cracked casting [head or block]. Your spark plug ? White or gray plugs indicate that cylinder is ok. Black or sooty indicate to much fuel or weak ignition. Caked with carbon can indicate oil comsumption, usually piston rings or worn valve guides & or seals. When you're timing it with the light if your timing marks seem to "jump around", don't stay on one hash mark That may indicate a loose timing chain or worn distributor gear. Thats a list of the worst things you can rule out with a compression gauge, a timing light, and observation. Clear the decks on those and you can run down the gremlin. It dosen't knock, tic, rattle, skip or smoke I'm guessing its some simple cheap thing. When you find it make damn sure you tell us. Theres always more to learn. I'm betting on retarded timing, weak low end torque & raw fuel in the exhaust????????????????????
Oil or fuel fouled?
