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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

what timing should I set?

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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 01:57 PM
  #1  
bra$$monkey's Avatar
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what timing should I set?

56 F100
351c
c4

Just dropped in a new HEI distributor.

Got it up & running & on the right tooth

But I still occasionally get a nice backfire through the carb.

I dont have a timing light (will get one for this weekend)

So what should it be set at? Not a dragster - but I like a good lope from my cam - so a low idle is a must.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 02:34 PM
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Skip the timing light and get a vacuum gauge. Cheap ($10 to $20) and has more uses. With a vac gauge timing is advanced till highest reading then backed off a bit as necessary.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 02:59 PM
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I think I already have a vacuum gage.

Highest vacuum & then back off a bit. Got it!
 
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by bra$$monkey
I think I already have a vacuum gage.

Highest vacuum & then back off a bit. Got it!
How's it working out after the vacuum test?
Considering the same for mu 351w
Paul
 
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 07:52 PM
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There's a little more to it. When you bump timing to a level that gives better vacuum, then you usually have to re-adjust the idle speed (too high now), and sometimes the idle mix screws, then repeat playing with timing to re-maximize. Then likely re-adjust the carb. Once you get everything set, take it for a drive and see if it pings on hills. The engine needs to be fully warmed up when doing all this.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 09:40 PM
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Guess I am just old fashioned. I have never tried timing with a vacuum gauge. I would get a timing light, start with 6 degrees BTDC and you should be in the ballpark.
 
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Old Jan 31, 2014 | 03:17 AM
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It's true, timing and idle speed and idle mixture all interact with each other. But that's going to be true using a light as well. Same difference.

A vacuum gage helps make setting all three simultaneous easy and right on the nuts. Easily one of the best tools to keep in your box, and surprisingly little known. They may pre-date timing lights? Dunno.
 
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Old Jan 31, 2014 | 03:34 AM
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They pre-date timing lights by a long long time!
 
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Old Jan 31, 2014 | 08:22 PM
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The young bull said to the old bull bla. bla. bla. Hook that lap top up and reprogram that timing.
 
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Old Jan 31, 2014 | 09:29 PM
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A timing what?
 
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