Distributor INstall Questions

[coloradodave]

You don't really need the timing light to see if it's retarded timing. And yes, it can show up on only one header tube, especially with a cross ram type manifold. Just advance the timing a little (maybe 1/4" on the circumference) and see if the color goes away. Keep advancing and trying until the motor labors to crank, and then back it off a little. It'll be close. You can then check it with a light when you get one and see where you're at.

 

[miller]

Experiance speaks volumns. These guys won't steer you wrong.

At least nothing is jumping out at you mechanical. Good thing.

 

[ScottVA]

Thanks, Dave and miller. You guys have been a huge help to me with this issue and several others. At 52, I am still a problem child as I was told all through school. Hearing that retarded timing can effect one tube is music to my ears and I'm hopeful that it is an easy fix. I'll advance the timing another 1/4 turn and see if it cools that tube. I should turning the dizzy clockwise to advance, right?

 

[coloradodave]

NOT A 1/4 TURN!!!! If you look down on the distributor and see it as a circle, turn it 1/4" (inch) CLOCKWISE. Let us know how it goes.
And as far as being a "problem child", some adults should keep their mouths shut when they say stuff like that to kids. You're 52 and look how long it's been following you. Everybody has to start somewhere. That's how you get experience. If we were all born with all the knowledge we needed there would be no need for teachers. More power to those that ask questions when they don't know instead of "BS"ing their way through. Ask away and soon you'll be offering up solutions to those that come after...

 

[ScottVA]

Thanks Dave for the redirect. When I posted 1/4 turn, I did mean 1/4"....I think. And well said about the statements of adults to kids and how they can stick with you for a lifetime. It happens all the time, but of course, that was a different day and time. It's been single digits here which is very cold for this area and once it warms up, I'll take another stab at it. Thanks again for your help with this and other problems I have run into. I will keep you posted.
Scott

 

[ArtH]

When you turn the distributor, the idle will increase, speed up some if you are advancing the timing and slow down if you retard it. Retarded timing makes the engine work harder to achieve the same power level that a properly tuned engine can do. Also when the spark comes late (retarded) the combustion event isn't complete and therefore unburned air/fuel mixture is actually still burning as it leaves the cylinder. Kind of like a blow torch.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Retarded timing or a rich mixture will cause high exhaust gas temps. Set timing to about 15 deg BTDC and 36-38 total and see what happens. Vac advance is highly recommended for street use.