Distributor, distributor drive gear / Timing

Your friend is probably right. IF you know where you set the timing, before you "change much" check the points setting FIRST. IF the points are wearing shut (did you lube the rubbing block?) check the dwell. The points wearing down will RETARD the timing.

Then, after resetting the points if necessary, check the timing. IF IT will not run, check the timing "on the starter." If it's RETARDED significantly, the timing chain has "slipped."

Take a socket, pull the cap. rotate the engine back and forth until the rotor "doesn't quite move." This will give you an idea of the "slop" in the chain. READ YOUR factory manual. This has a procedure in chapter 9, the engine section.

Download a free service manual here:

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=244981

http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=31

DO NOT retime the engine if it has CHANGED significantly from your original setting, until you have reasoned WHY. All this will do is to cause the engine to run, and you don't know WHY it changed. FIND OUT why the timing changed. There are only a few reasons:

1........The timing chain may have slipped

2........The points screw is loose, or you did not lube the cam / rubbing block

3.......You did not get the distributor clamp bolt tight and the dist. moved.

4.......In very rare cases, something could break up in the distributor usually the mechanical advance