New Syclone owner chasing a possible timing issue?

[ZR1Chris12]

So long story short bought a truck that was previously running but owner had changed the head gaskets and now all of a sudden it wont fire. It isn't stock, appears to have some stuff done to it including a Holley EFI system (looks like a basic maybe older one cant really tell) and MSD ignition stuff. the distributor cap can rotate by hand which I wouldn't think its supposed to? Im an LS guy so not familiar with these older distributor style ignitions...I believe I have the plug wires connected properly if its the basic GM 4.3 V6 firing order but am unaware if the cap is in the right position seeing as it can be rotated?

any help on this would be much appreciated as im a noob with these trucks!

 

[wildphil]

If you are able to find someone local to you that has worked on a GM with a distributor that would be the best thing to try.

The clamp that secures the distributor is most likely just not tightened down to keep the distributor from moving. The distributor needs to be able to move to adjust timing. Then secured once the timing is set. A clamp with one bolt located at the place the distributor and intake manifold meet.

Before we go too far with instructions. Locate 0 on the timing tab that is located on the timing chain cover. It is close to the harmonic balancer. Also on the balancer there is a line.
The engine rotated to where this line and the 0 on the tab are in line. After you rotate the engine in this position look at the rotor located under the distributor cap. Is it pointed in the direction of the number 1 cylinder of the engine? If not the engine may be 180 degrees out and 1 exact rotation with the timing marks lined up the rotor should now point at number 1 cylinder.
I am thinking that the stock balancer has two lines that causes confusion. I think the first line that comes up as the engine is rotated is the one we need. You could look at the rotor position as each of the two lines rotate to 0. I hope another member chimes in to verify the correct line we need.
One thing we have to keep in mind is that a good number of the stock balancers the outer ring has slipped on them so the timing mark is no longer in the correct location. If the rotor never points towards number 1 cylinder with the lines on 0 we may need to look into this.
Report back with your findings.

 

[TYTILIDIE]

If you have a Holley ECU installed, setting initial timing in a conventional way gets modified. Phil is correct of course in what he is saying but once you get to that point, stting timing in the Holley is easy but can be frustrating if you don't know how to use a laptop or have never done it before. X2 on finding someone nearby that can help you out. Problem there will be, getting someone who can get you TDC AND knows how to operate the Holley.

 

[DaveP's Ghost]

Be SURE the balancer ring has not slipped, and the timing mark is therefore incorrect if it has. Usually, the balancer ring can be turned by hand if it has slipped. A quick check for timing mark accuracy: Rotate the engine until the marks line up on TDC. (#1 or #4 doesn't matter at this point). The key-way inside the balancer hub should line up with the center of the driver side bank cylinder bores. Eyeball is close enough.

 

[IGottaSy]

I'd remove MSD junk for now and go with factory parts. Like somebody said, "sometimes you gotta start all over."

1. Do you have spark?
2. Do you have fuel?
3. Timing set?

Don't know how reliable MSD is nowadays but years ago, they were horrible.