erratic timing at idle

checking my timing on my 88 escort i noticed that the timing moves from ten tdc to tdc at idle. ok, about two months ago i replaced the timing belt and no problems till about a week ago. could this be a bad distributor? any clues thanks edsel...

Long shot put improper tension in timing belt could do that. Any play in it? I've heard that when timing chains get stretched out and loose they will do that so maybe that's the problem. Can't think of anything else. Does your distributor have a 'spot connector'? And if so, are you unhooking it to check timing?

i am removing the spout when i do a check of the timing. i did put a new belt in about 3 months ago i guess i'll need to check the tensioner. maybe the belt jumped a notch. anyway it appears that the timing is right i was wondering could a distributor going bad cause this problem? thanks edsel...

Do what is done on engines with timing chains.First.Pull the dist.cap.Move the crank back and forth a BIT at the pulley/dampner.If the crank can move without the dist. rotor moving..there is MOST LIKELY play in the chain/gears or belt/gears.Some experts with a LOT of experience with particular engines can just reach in real quick..grab the dampner..give it a twist and "feel" if there is any play.Let us know if this first basic test is ok.If it is ok most likely the problem is in the distributor.If not there is still a small chance that it is still in the distributor.If so there could be a few other ways that the timing is erratic.Do the first test first and let us know.