yeah. that's better. I didn't have a plug wrench handy so I didn't check where the pistons are, but it surely runs better with the timing set on about 23 degrees BTDC. So I guess I have a pulley that has shifted. Temperature is where it was in the beginning, too hot. It also burns lots of oil, and I have a rebuilt head I can put on, so I think I will do that as well as change the thermostat to a cooler one. Thank you for the help. Any advice about changing heads? Looks pretty simple on this car...although I don't know what goes on in the area of the water pump. Is a new head gasket enough, or do I need seals and stuff for the water pump connection? I know I am being a pest, but asking is so much easier than trial and error.