It's like this - it is always easier to troubleshoot a problem one of us has when we can git there and see what all is going on.

Right now, s8whiskey is out around Murfreesborough with a distributor problem.
He has a post in the 80-84 truck forum.

Is anyone close to there who would like to swing on by and check it out?

(PM s8whiskey for directions)

It's about 500 miles round trip for me, or I'd pack my stuff up tomorrow night.

SE of Nashville - mid state.

 

I read your thread in the 80 - 86 forum.

That engine ain't right, man. Something is in there floating around, probably trapped between bearings in the cam galley. I bet you pull that cam, and fish in there with a magnet - you're gonna find all kinds of stuff in there.

 

i would make sure the cam retaining plate has not come forward or come off.

 

That's gonna call for the timing case to be pulled, like I suggested. Good point.

 

Wish I could get under the hood, I'd check it for him, had a friend who had similar problems when both self destructed together. He had a roller engine in a 65 Gallaxy, installed a non roller distributor, was the caus of all his head ache.