timing 97 blazer 4.3

ive looked everywhere and im trying to find out how to check the timing on this motor. i heard there is a plug that i have to disconnect in order to check/change the timing. also does anyone have a picture of what my marks are suppose to look like. i have a chiltons but it does not tell me that much and no graphs or pics. if anyone could help that would be great.

May I ask why you want to check your timimg? Your truck is controled by the computer. The only time you would want to be cocerned with the timing is when you remove the distributor while replacing intake gaskets, timing chain is worn( stretched) and needs replaced, or a bad crank or cam sensor. Your computer can self adjust to some degree. Give us more details on what your blazer is doing or not doing. I have the documentation for all of the timing procedures. I have to pull the info from my CD, and see if blazee will put it in the forum. He does such a great job and breaks it down to make it easy to understand and follow. I'll have to find it on the CD first, because it has everything about these 4.3 engines you can imagine. Tkaes a while for me to find it. Also it takes time for blazee to edit and define it so it is easy to understand for all of us. We all owe him a great deal of graditude for taking his valueable time to do this for us. Thanks Blazee.
Thanks
Southern.
P.S. let me know as soon as you can, and I'll try to get the help to you as soon as I can.
DISTRIBUTOR
Removal (4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L & 7.4L)
Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect harness
connectors to distributor. Remove distributor cap and move aside.
Remove distributor hold-down bolt and hold-down clamp. Note position
of rotor. Pull up slightly on distributor until rotor stops turning
counterclockwise and again note position of rotor. Remove distributor
from engine.
Disassembly & Reassembly
Disassembly procedure is not available from manufacturer.
Manufacturer recommends replacement as a unit.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. To ensure correct
timing of distributor, install with rotor positioned as it was when
distributor was removed.
2) If engine was cranked after distributor was removed,
remove spark plug No. 1. Place finger over cylinder No. 1 spark plug
hole. Crank engine slowly until compression is felt. Align timing mark
on pulley to "0" on engine timing indicator. Ensure rotor points to
cylinder No. 1 spark plug tower on distributor cap. Complete
distributor installation. Start engine and check ignition timing.

because of the way it hesitates it leaves me to believe that maybe the timing chain is going bad or timing is off. and its just something else i can do myself before taking it in and spending the money to get it diagnosed

Have you check for any codes in your truck. It could be a lot of thinks such as, TPS, trottle position sensor, fuel filter, CAT, and many other things. Check your codes and get back to us with it. Autozone or Advance and many others will check them free of charge. Just don't buy anything if they suggest you need. Get back with us and let us know if there are any codes, I'm absolutely sure this forum can help.
Thanks
Southern.

As Southern Comfort Says
Time to get it on a scanner.
The timming can not be adjusted on it.
Turning the dist only changes camshaft retart -/+
When it is on the scanner get a reading on camshaft retard. If it is reading over 2- or 2+ post back readings and any other codes.

Use Caution when getting the free code checks please.
Some parts places do offer free code checks. And also free repair advice. But beware. Just get the code no and post it back here and someone will help you.
They offer the free code checks in the hope of increasing there parts sales.
Almost all of them will also offer mechanical advice and some know what they are doing.
But just remember most of them are parts people pulling codes for free.
Not trained professional tech/mechanics. Even if they pull a 02-sensor code or another sensor related code it does always mean to replace that sensor and your problem will be fixed.
Please just get the code no and post it back here and we will help you.
MT