Notices
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Adjusting timing 240

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 17, 2018 | 05:28 PM
  #1  
benbuilder's Avatar
benbuilder
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 53
Adjusting timing 240

I am trying to adjust the timing on my 66 240 with manual trans.

I am trying to keep the engine at about 750 rpm, while aiming for 6 before TDC.

I have read everywhere, and know, that i am supposed to remove the line on the distributor to set timing. Well, my distibuter has a metal line that ties into the Load O Matic carburetor. This is the only hose that comes out of the distributor. Do i disconnect this? If so, it make no difference in how the engine performs. What does this mean?

Thanks
 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2018 | 07:16 PM
  #2  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
The reasoning for disconnecting and plugging the vacuum advance line is for accuracy, we want to be sure that the 6° or 10° BTDC (or whatever) initial timing we are measuring is not being skewed by vacuum advance tipping in.

A loadomatic type distributor is a little different than what many people are used to. There are no mechanical or centrifugal weights internal. All of the ignition advance is via metered vacuum only from the carburetor ported from two separate locations. As such the OEM type carburetor must be used. Maybe you know this already.
 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2018 | 08:31 PM
  #3  
benbuilder's Avatar
benbuilder
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 53
I understand all you said except the last sentence. I don't fully understand the workings of these components.

I am using the stock 1101 carb and the stock Load o Matic distributer. Are you saying that this set up will not have vacuum?. I know for sure what the vacuum is like on my 77 f100, it is a rubber hose i disconnect to set timing. The 66 is steel.

So, should there be a change in how the engine reacts etc, at idle, if i unscrew the line to the distributer?

Sorry for being thick.
 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2018 | 10:28 PM
  #4  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
The problem is when peeps install a different carburetor than factory issue. The loadomatic distributor will only work correctly with the correct metered vacuum applied. Manifold vacuum or conventional carburetor vacuum won't work right and will run poorly.

While not directly familiar with this type of arrangement I would not be surprised if disconnecting the vacuum line at typical idle RPM has little to no effect on base timing. It's more of a belt & suspenders thing in the checklist.

There shouldn't be any additional timing being pulled in (My opinion) disconnecting & plugging the line just makes sure. Some people set their idle up around 3000, gotta account for that just in case.

Now if you spool the RPM way up, then you should be able to observe the limits of the advance curve.
 
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2018 | 04:56 AM
  #5  
benbuilder's Avatar
benbuilder
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 53
Once again. Thanks for the help. This engine is running great.

I also bought an oil pressure gauge and checked the pressure just to be sure this engine is good.

Seems as though i have a good one.

Thanks again.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Scott Yager
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
36
Jul 21, 2017 09:34 AM
Dorsai
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Oct 21, 2015 10:31 PM
gfw1985
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
6
May 27, 2008 08:57 AM
otto
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Sep 12, 2002 05:26 PM
RichMan
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
4
Jul 16, 2002 02:18 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:56 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-3
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-7
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE