Ok...here is the history of the car as I know it. It has 190k miles on it. When I bought it (just recently) it started up and ran good and strong. The only thing I noticed was a rythmatic tic that increased with engine rpm. This sound seemed to come from under the right valve cover near the back. Not loud, just a noticeable tic, tic, tic that I thought maybe a lifter or rocker noise. Anyway, I bought the car and after only 30 miles on the highway it suddenly died like you were to shut off the key. No hesitation, no sputters, just dead. I had filled up the tank just before the 30 miles as well. I cranked and cranked and tried flooring it to see if it would start, but no luck so I had it towed home. Since getting it home I have replaced the cap because it was arching out all over the place and I thought that was the problem and now I can get it running but very poorly. It will only start with your foot to the floor and crank and crank till it finally catches. It wont idle down without stalling under 800rpm. Over 2000 rpm it smooths out gradually, but still doesnt have the responsivness like it should. I guess the chain had been done prior because of the welded up drivers valve cover. Thats all I know.
If I pull number one plug Im guessing the TDC of piston should line up with 0 degrees on crank? How hard is it to reset ot change the timing chain? I am mech inclined, but need to know what kind of a project Im getting myself into!
What should I be checking first on this car?