would you guys please tell me how to adjust the timing on my 292.there is a 10 , 20 , 30 mark on the wheel.the initial test read at the 6th mark,i turned the distributor clockwise until it was on the 12th mark. it seems to run a little better this way.did i advance it.is this to much?i did`nt hear any pinging.this is my first ever attempt to set timing, so i`m not sure that i`m doing it right. thanks for your help.........wayne

 

Is your distributor working ok? It will be a little harder to start with the ignition advanced that much, and there is usually a risk of pinging if the initial advance is set that far ahead of factory settings.

Is that a Load-o-matic distributor (pre 57) or the more modern type with the weights and springs? Check your vacuum diaphragm to see if it's leaking.

 

also make sure you unhook your vacuum advance when setting time.

 

There's another, perhaps better, way to set the timing. It requires either an Ohmmeter or a test lamp.


You'll need to disconnect the wire that runs from the distributor to the coil, then attach the meter or lamp to the coil connection on the distributor.

Mark the damper for the factory timing setting, then rotate the crankshaft in the direction that it turns when the engine is running. Watch the rotor on the distributor to see when number 1 cylinder is coming. Carefully rotate the engine until the mark on the damper lines up with the timing pointer. What you're trying to do is to make sure that the slack in the timing chain is taken up when the marks line up.

Now turn the distributor back and forth and watch the test light or meter to see where the points are just starting to open. Clamp it down there. Check you work by rotating the engine two rotations and watch to see where the points open on cylinder number 1 again

I like this method because it isn't affected by the carburetor idle mixture, valve lash adjustment, or intake manifold vacuum.

Once the timing is set properly, you can adjust the idle mixture for best engine speed, then lean it out slightly until the engine speed just starts to drop.

 

i`m sorry my truck is a 64 model.also where is the vaccum diaphram located,and how do i check it for leaks.also i did`nt unhook the vaccum advance,but i will.my timing light has the advance 0-60 on it.how do i check the vaccum advance.thanks for your help.....wayne

 

To check the vacuum diaphragm I use a hand vacuum pump that I think is called a Mity Vac. Attach it to the vacuum advance and pump up some vacuum and watch to see that the diaphragm holds the vacuum.