I don't know where to start on this problem. Engine was rebuilt by some shady character. This is my dads truck. Timing is retarded 15 degrees. It runs but shutters a lot and misfires. It is hardly noticeable. It throws a crank and cam correlation code. When turning distributor where it is supposed to be at the truck won't even run.

I am thinking that the idiot that rebuilt the engine put the timing chain off a tooth. What are my other possible options? I might have to rip the engine down to the timing chain to figure this out.

 

I have a laptop with ScanXL and a USB OBD2 plug. I am wondering if I can electronically advance the timing with the proper software? Or is the timing too far retarded to advance to the proper degree?

 

Thinking of getting engine to TDC, checking the timing marks, and pulling the timing cover off and making sure that the dots line up. I don't know how to time the cam itself. Maybe that was not installed improperly?

 

Turning the distributor body does not affect timing at all, just the wear point on the terminals in the cap. Spark is controlled by the computer and the crank sensor. From what I've heard you will have to take it to a dealership to have it timed with their super expensive scan tool. To get it to run, turn the engine to TDC on the compression stroke and point the rotor to the #1 cyl. With a little luck you can get it close enough to drive it to the dealer.