2.8 CHevy S-10 TIming

[Gomezy3k]

I have been trying to get my 1987 S-10 2.8 to run right. I took it in for a tune up and they changed the rotor, cap and plugs and set the timing. When I picked it up when you stepped on the gas it would almost stall and then sounded like it backfired before it would go. I took it back to the place I had it worked on and they re-set the timing "by ear" this time but now it still doesn't seem to run right and it has a rough idle and it seems like it doesn't have any power in the lower end... once it gets going (higher RPM) it takes off. I bought a timing light but can't figure out the stupid timing marks. Does anyone have a source or a diagram of what the marks are? I bought a book but it doesn't have a good picture of the timing marks and when I had the motor re-built a couple of years ago they painted the block and the paint kind of covered up the marks. I used some sand paper to try and remove the paint but it is still hard to see. I am guessing that the large "V" is zero degrees but am not sure if I should use the points or the valley's to set the timing ...not to mention.. how many degrees are each mark apart? Please email me with the info if you have it... Thanks

[Gomezy3k]

Also I forgot to add in my last post what is with the multiple timing lines on the crankshaft dampner? How can you tell which one is the one to use to set the timing.

[rdale66]

The large V is TDC. Each point is 4 degrees. You need to identify which groove in the dampener is TDC for No. 1, there are three grooves, one for TDC of each pair of cylinders. Remove the spark plug for Number one and determine when it is up.