Help me think this through

I have a 225 v-6 (G2 Carb) which is giving me fits. The core issue is that the engine stalls at idle and will not allow me to rev w/o stalling. I noticed this happen when I had the timing light on. Everything is nice (timing light stays steady @ 5 degrees before top dead center) until the engine begins to run rough. This is when I noticed the timing retard and even go a little past dead center. My question is this: Does the timing normally retard when an engine stalls or should it stay steady?

Thanks for your input!

 

when the engine faulters is slows down. I wouldn't worry about that until I fixed the carb.

Does the engine run fine with the choke on? did this issue just start all of a sudden or has it gotten progressively worse? Has the jeep been sitting?

 

The problem first happened on a trail ride during April '10. The engine just quit (twice) while doing about 4 mph on an old fire road. Since then, the problem has gotten progressively worse to the point that it would quit at stop lights. I just finished replacing the timing chain which took me two weeks. (The last time I tried to start it before replacing the chain, I saw fuel vapor expelled from the carb.)

 

I would just think the carb needs cleaning. Thats probably where I'd start

 

rebuild kits are fairly cheap for the 2g i paid about 25 bucks for mine at napa. id just rebuild it it hasnt been rebuilt before.

 

Well, the jeep is running much better now. I had taken a short cut when assembling the vehicle today and did not torque down the distributor clamp. Thought it would be easier to adjust the timing if I left the hold down loose enough so I could turn the distributor by the vacuum advance. (I hate to get my hands near the fan belt when it is turning.) Anyway, the ground must have been poor - the jeep ran fine after I torqued down that clamp. It's funny how easily I freak out, get nervous and don't do the simple stuff right. Thanks for your help - you guys are awesome.