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Timing

Old Dec 10, 2011 | 11:04 PM
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Timing

Is there a way to know exactly what your timing needs to be without driving it. I set my timing many different times. To 16 then 12 then 7 every time the engine would start hard even when warm. It felt like it was getting resistance somehow. It will sometimes start fine though but other times it just wont turn over. Also when i was driving it just started idling really slow to the point it would die. I went out not a half hour later it did the same thing for about a minute and then just started running better again? 1976 f250 390 with bedrock 1406 major exhaust leak directly below cyliner # 4 between manifold and head.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 10:04 AM
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Set the total timing between 34-38 degrees. If it's starting hard it could be a weak battery. Is your timing chain straight up?
 
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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 11:00 AM
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I assume it is whatever came on the engine. At what rpm will you have total timing with a stock distributor?
 
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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 11:29 AM
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Your problems sound more carb related than timing.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 11:53 AM
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if the springs in the distributor are stock somewhere above 3000rpm
 
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Old Dec 12, 2011 | 09:13 PM
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How would my problems be carb related?
 
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Old Dec 12, 2011 | 11:18 PM
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Are you getting enough fuel? if so then are you plugging the distributors vaccuum advance at the carb? Do you have the vaccuum advance hooked to the right vaccuum port on the carb?
 
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Old Dec 13, 2011 | 02:38 PM
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Originally Posted by jjurva
How would my problems be carb related?
It will sometimes start fine though but other times it just wont turn over. Also when i was driving it just started idling really slow to the point it would die. I went out not a half hour later it did the same thing for about a minute and then just started running better again?
Sounds like a gummed up carb. Timing wouldnt do this. Adjusting timing might cover it up, but I highly doubt the problem is timing related.
 
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Old Dec 13, 2011 | 10:01 PM
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MikePacey-Yeah I have the vaccum line hooked up right. I assume I'm getting enough fuel but I am not sure. With the truck turned off the left side of my carb kinda dribbles fuel and the right side sprays it real good. Why would lack of fuel cause resistance when starting?
Devino246-If my timing was advanced too far it could cause hard starting because combustion would be happening before the cylinder has reached tdc right. So why wouldn't timing cause problems like this. I get the feeling it isn't timing because the different variations I have tried but there is still a possibility it is timing related right?
 
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