Therein is most likely where the problem lies. It is imperative to degree the cam. Otherwise you have no IDEA where it is installed. It could be 12 degrees retarded for all you know.......and I've seen it! If it was mine, that's the first thing I would do. Get the timing cover off and degree it. Even if you find it's dead on, which very likely it AIN'T, it will be worth all the little bit of trouble.
