The 220's B18 was soooo smooth a few weeks ago compared to now. Points were replaced last summer and still look new. The front crank seal was replaced successfully, no more drips. But the engine had been starting to sputter prior to this.

Yesterday, it was hard to start. The sputter sounded like a full miss at times, and going to the dump 15 miles round trip at 55mph was an adventure! Bucking whenever the gas pedal was moved and very little bhp.

I took off the valve cover expecting a broken spring, no such luck. And when I went to check the valve clearances, surprise! They were pretty close, BUT when I lined #1 and the crank to TDC, the rotor was pointing half way between 1 and 3???

The distributer shaft does have a little play, but so long as it is always rotating in the same direction, that should not be the problem.

BTW, how do I know what type of cam is in here? I am assuming A because I cannot see any markings.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.