Need timing advice - 350 "ticking" on acceleration

[vince311]

I've read several of the threads on timing here...lots of good info. This might be an issue...where someone has to physically be looking at/listening to the truck.


Engine:
'82 swb - Goodwrench 350, HEI, 670 avenger carb, stock cam, weiland manifold. running 87 octane

Overview:
Motor was installed a couple months ago. We essentially timed it by ear...as the mark on the balancer did not register within the range of the pointer timing indicator (when using a timing gun). We retarded the timing to where the vacuum advance unit is almost physically hitting the tranny dipstick. This got rid of "most" of the pinging. Still pings on steep hills wth my foot into it....maybe that is normal?

Issue:
When I accelerate...I get a "ticking" noise (sounds like it's bottom end noise). At idle...the motor sounds great, strong..no odd noises. Transmission mechanic says the ticking noise does not appear to be coming from the flywheel/torque converter/tranny.

Question:
Will severe retarding of the timing hurt anything?

Reality:
I'm real close to taking it to a shop...to have dialed-in. I'm officially in over my head.


this post may be more therapy than anything. the wife is ready to give my truck away. sigh

[oldwhity]

Try runnin a higher octane and check for exhaust leaks(since it's a recent install).

[eventhorizon66]

If you don't have an accurate timing mark, how do you know it's severly retarded?  And I have to ask is it "ticking" or "pinging"?  These are two very different noises with different causes.  "Ticking" may be a loose rocker.

[VileZambonie]

Did you have the inductive clamp on the #1 cyl wire?

Bring the piston all the way to tdc and then check the mark on the balancer. It needs to line up the tdc zero mark.

[vince311]

If you don't have an accurate timing mark, how do you know it's severly retarded?  And I have to ask is it "ticking" or "pinging"?  These are two very different noises with different causes.  "Ticking" may be a loose rocker.

I've heard this motor ping...and the ticking sound is a different than that. Good question about know how far it's retarded...all I know, is that its turned clockwise pretty far..can't go much further.

Going to get the gun out again...confirm we are doing everything properly.