Timing retarding

[Canadian1968]

I did see another post on a similar problem to mine.

Checking my timing, base set 18. When I increase the rpm , the timing will initially retard instead of advance. As I keep increasing rpm the timing will eventually shoot back it normal advance curve and continue to advance.

The other thread mentioned timing button and shim to the timing cover . Also read a lot of post that said timing button or cam walk is a non issue, especially with a FT cam.

Other part of same thread talked about adding sleve to the bottom of the distributor shaft or even a rubber hose . This is ment to take up any up and down slack in the distributor ?

I don't really want to tear the front of the engine down if I don't have to.

Also had the distributor out and engaged the intermediate shaft. Should be absolutely zero play in between shaft and cam gear ?

This is a new problem that seems to have started last year.

Engine probably has 8k on it

 

[WileE]

What is the condition of your advance weights and springs ?

 

[Canadian1968]

What is the condition of your advance weights and springs ?

All good had the distributor out and apart just make sure good, lubed up weights just for good measure . It's the mallory style MP distributor with the adjustable totally advance slots

 

[OKDart]

Since you have it out that far, check the intermediate shaft for wear where it rides in the bushing.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Didn't they have trouble with those distributors? Didn't Rick Ehernberg write about MP Mallory distributors in Mopar Action that they were troublesome.

 

[68-500]

I got ask. Are you checking timing with the VA unhooked. If it where hooked up to manifold vacuum it could go down when you open the throttle blades.

 

[Geoff 2]

I don't see a vac adv unit....

If it did have a VA unit hooked up.....could it be a 318 dist [ opposite rotation ]? in which case revving in neutral would actuate the VA & retard the ign

 

[Canadian1968]

I got ask. Are you checking timing with the VA unhooked. If it where hooked up to manifold vacuum it could go down when you open the throttle blades.

Vacuum advance is not hooked up

 

[Don Frelier]

I don't see a vac adv unit....

If it did have a VA unit hooked up.....could it be a 318 dist [ opposite rotation ]? in which case revving in neutral would actuate the VA & retard the ign

From what I see in the picture the mechanical advance arrangement sure looks like it will retard the timing.
The larger foot shaped piece will swing down and to the right pushing the 2 arms counterclockwise.
Unless I'm mistaken, I think it's the wrong distributor.

 

[icetech]

Don't think it was mentioned but are you using a dial back light or just a normal no frills light? I had a dial back and my timing would do that.. grabbed a normal light and issue went away..

 

[Canadian1968]

From what I see in the picture the mechanical advance arrangement sure looks like it will retard the timing.
The larger foot shaped piece will swing down and to the right pushing the 2 arms counterclockwise.
Unless I'm mistaken, I think it's the wrong distributor.

Have to point out this distributor has been in the car for about 14 years. I have graphed timing curves with it . To the best of my memory I have never removed the weights , only changes the springs and adjusted the max mechanical advance

Don't think it was mentioned but are you using a dial back light or just a normal no frills light? I had a dial back and my timing would do that.. grabbed a normal light and issue went away..

I'm using a Innova timing light it's does allow me to dial back. I do have an old light I can use. But this ignition timing does correspond with a little throttle miss/ sputter I am was originally diagnosing

 

[icetech]

Have to point out this distributor has been in the car for about 14 years. I have graphed timing curves with it . To the best of my memory I have never removed the weights , only changes the springs and adjusted the max mechanical advance



I'm using a Innova timing light it's does allow me to dial back. I do have an old light I can use. But this ignition timing does correspond with a little throttle miss/ sputter I am was originally diagnosing

ah k.. sorry.. i had a innova that was making me nuts... and ended up being the light, just making sure.

 

[turbine68rt]

Are the adjusting screws in the slots fully tightened?