I too have a timing issue with my 87 Dodge Ram Van with 318.
It won't pass smog because the 25mph test can not complete because after setting the timing to 8 degrees, the van won't accelerate past 15mph. The baseline time was apparently set at 18 degrees. I am wondering if this is normal or if perhaps they got the timing a tooth off when reassembling the engine after a rebuild, and this over advancement was to compensate.. I noticed the power was less and the oil pressure was lower after the rebuild too. Could they have compensated with advancing the timing to clear up a possible tooth-off situation? Or would the Van run like utter c-rap? I find this "rotating" balancer interesting as well. How can one tell if in fact the balancer drifted? Now when the distributor rotor is exactly pointing at #1, the timing mark appears to be retarded, behind the little hollow finger on the timing plate.

The "Gold Shield" smog repair set the timing back using a vacuum test. They said, sorry can't fix it. Must be internal problem. Sent me down the road. kept the money. I think this engine can be saved. I'm not giving up that easy. Any help is appreciated..
thanks

BtW Back pressure is OK, Compression 110 to 120, EGR working. just high NOX.

 

where exactly do you live? where i live anything 87 and older don't have to do emitions. you probably could advance the timing and lean out the carb.

 

If the compression is 110-120 after a rebuild I would not have faith in any of the rebuild.

 

i live in los angeles