Ok, i finally got around to replacing my spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and the rotor, also changed the fuel filter, and the van has way more power and runs fairly smooth, maybe perfect actually, however it's having a sewing machine sound when i throttle it, it's sounding like a smooth sewing machine,
(or maybe a slight out of tune sound) but can spin the tires on gravel if i floor it, question... how do i know if it sounds normal? how do i time the engine? i have a mac TL84 light, and would like to check if it's timed properly, but if thats a normal sound then i wouldn't bother,
ever since we had this van it never really ran smooth, but good enough, just wondering what to expect... does that make sense?

 

The ticking sound could be one of the exhaust check valves rusted through or maybe even an exhaust leak. If you power brake it (in gear applying gas with the brakes on ) for no longer than 3-5 seconds can you determine if it is an exhaust leak somewhere? If nobody has moved the distributor at any time wouldn't be too concerned with ignition timing. You might want to remove the doghouse if you haven't already done so to check the back of the engine for that ticking sound.

 

Hmm, you could be right, it almost sounds like exhaust,
How will I notice if it's coming from exhaust by power braking?

 

The noise will get louder and easier to locate and pin down.

 

not only that but the pcm will adjust your timing for you so don't worry about the timing unless you need the timing chain replaced

 

really? how long does it take to adjust it? or do i need to to that drive cycle thing that scanner wants me to do?
is that part of the drive cycle thing that it needs to complete?
i noticed today it's running slightly smoother, but i checked like hanky said and it didn't make more noise when i power braked, so i guess it's not from exhaust.

 

I can't tell from here what that noise sounds like , but could it be spark jumping from a plug wire not all the way on?

 

if one adjusts the dist. timing then the pcm gets into trouble trying to correct the perimeters to make it run right. if it's as smooth as you say it is leave it alone. some times we hear the injectors firing and that gives the ticking sound as well. one of the best ways to pin point a noise in an engine is with a stethscope