Timing Problem - Need Some Guidance Please

[dmch82bl8]

I'm having problems with my engine..... it had been running fine but about a week ago it started spitting, sputtering, and losing power. I changed the ICM but still doing it.
I thought I should check the timing, so I hooked up the timing light, unplugged the inline SPOUT thingy, started the engine, and the timing was kinda all over the place.
It would advance, then retard, advance, then retard, etc, etc.
It did the same thing when the SPOUT plug thingy was in place.
I loosened the dizzy and moved it around a little, but it did not help.
I need some input as to what could cause this to be happening.
Any help would surely be appreciated, as I don't want to take it to a shop unless I absolutely have to.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

I'm having problems with my engine..... it had been running fine but about a week ago it started spitting, sputtering, and losing power. I changed the ICM but still doing it.
I thought I should check the timing, so I hooked up the timing light, unplugged the inline SPOUT thingy, started the engine, and the timing was kinda all over the place.
It would advance, then retard, advance, then retard, etc, etc.
It did the same thing when the SPOUT plug thingy was in place.
I loosened the dizzy and moved it around a little, but it did not help.
I need some input as to what could cause this to be happening.
Any help would surely be appreciated, as I don't want to take it to a shop unless I absolutely have to.

Are you clipping the timing light on the #1 plug wire. It could be the timing chain, take the dizzy cap off and turn the crank with a wrench clockwise till the rotor starts turning then counterclockwise till it moves the rotor also grab the rotor and see how much slop is in the cam gear either way you should have very little movement between the crank/cam and rotor. If it all the sudden started running rough you may have skipped a tooth on the timing chain.