Originally Posted by DocSarvis

An update on what I found. I pulled the alternator and took it to the rebuild shop and explained what I knew. They hooked it up to their machine and ran it. It put out 14.5 volts and every meter they had on it showed steady. So we pronounced it good and I put it back on the car and purchased a good battery and walla everything seems fine. No idea why the parts house little hand held said it was bad but no big deal, the money I saved went to a good battery which I needed anyway.

While I was under the car I changed the oil pan gasket that was leaking. Well I should say installed a gasket. When I pulled the pan neither pan nor drain plug had a gasket. Set my valves- they were all 2-.003 inch tight. The butterknive wrenches worked well. It could be done without but it was more fun with.

I pulled the EGR and black box on the valve cover. Lubed every throttle linkage connection and set the linkage to go to the full IP stop. It was about 1/8 inch away before adjustment.

Measured timing chain stretch with a dial indicator and found it to be 9 degrees so my guess is someone installed an offset key not too long ago.

I'm installing a boost gauge and have a question. Someone has been into the ALDA as the cap is gone. It seems almost like 3 pieces coming out of the cover. Black rubber and some aluminum, the screw, then the lock nut on the screw touching the black rubber...If I turn the screw the black washer wants to turn too. Is the OK or should it stay still or does it matter? this is an AZ car so everything is free to move. Thanks