retarding the timing

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Jul 8, 2006 | 01:31 PM

jaye

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From: S.C.

retarding the timing

I have a 71 302 w/electronic ignition in my 55; it pings when I start off fast I was told it may be the timing. The plugs are white so it is burning hot. The timing is currently set at TDC, My question is which way do I turn my dist. to retard the timing, also should I set it at a certian degree?
Thanks
Jaye

Last edited by jaye; Jul 8, 2006 at 02:26 PM.

Jul 8, 2006 | 02:08 PM

WillyB

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From: Near Fresno, California

It sounds like you have other problems with the distributor. I would make sure that both the mechanical and vacuum advance are working.

My guess is that you should be sitting somewhere around 10 degrees advance at an idle. The idea is that the mechanical advance will advance the timing upwards to a max of about 28 degrees as you speed the engine up to around 3K RPM. When you crack the throttle to accelerate the vacuum advance retards the spark automatically, returning to normal timing as the vacuum returns to normal.

It is worth working on, even replacing the distributor, as you are wasting a lot of power and gas running with no advance.

Jul 8, 2006 | 02:20 PM

raceman351W

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you would turn it counter-clock wise to retard and what system do you have?

Jul 8, 2006 | 05:07 PM

Randy Jack

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From: Riverside, So Cal

What ***** said. You should not be at TDC for idle. It does sound like a problem with the dizzy. Most auto parts stores will bench test it for you.

I personally much prefer to set the timing running. I use a Craftsman timing light that lets you set the advance you want and then just shoot the zero marjer on the harmonic balancer. Works really nice.