Windsor tuning issues
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: west michigan
Windsor tuning issues
So I got my new Windsor running and it runs quite well except for a little spark knock under a light load. I've been messing with timing a little but its not really making much difference. I've got a few things that are troubling me.
I'm using the Autolite plugs that are recomended for a '72 windsor but I have them gapped at whatever is recomended for an '82 ignition system (.042 I think). Is this the correct plug and the correct gap?
Also, I put an adjustable vacuum advance on the distributor. Does turning the adjustment affect the base timing or just the amount of advance?
On a positive note, the headers and glasspacks sound great!!!!
I'm using the Autolite plugs that are recomended for a '72 windsor but I have them gapped at whatever is recomended for an '82 ignition system (.042 I think). Is this the correct plug and the correct gap?
Also, I put an adjustable vacuum advance on the distributor. Does turning the adjustment affect the base timing or just the amount of advance?
On a positive note, the headers and glasspacks sound great!!!!
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
turning the distributor will effect the base timing as well. In fact, at idle you are probably only adjusting the base timing. It's kinda a trial and error setting. I run 36 degree's total timing in mine, however I probably have quite a bit more modifications to mine. Anywhere from 35-38 total seems to be the best for these.
I personally prefer NGK plugs in my windsor. If possible, swap out the autolites for those, but that's just an opinion. Not sure of the part number, but any parts store that sells NGK's can give you the correct plug for the head.
What kind of compression are you running? If it's quite a bit higher than factory, you may need to decrease your plug gap. You can even try closing the gap down to .036 and try it from there.
I personally prefer NGK plugs in my windsor. If possible, swap out the autolites for those, but that's just an opinion. Not sure of the part number, but any parts store that sells NGK's can give you the correct plug for the head.
What kind of compression are you running? If it's quite a bit higher than factory, you may need to decrease your plug gap. You can even try closing the gap down to .036 and try it from there.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
As long as the plug gap is correct and the they properly thread into the cylinder head, the plugs you have shouldn't be a problem. Autolites are good plugs.
The vacuum advance affects total advance. If you are pinging, you can carefully insert a small allen wrench into the inlet of the advance housing to adjust it. I'm not sure of the size, but when you get the right one, you'll feel it click. I believe turning clockwise gives you more advance and turning counterclockwise gives you less advance. You would want to turn it counterclockwise to lower the advance if you are getting pinging. Adjust it little by little until the pinging goes away.
If your base timing is too high this will cause pinging too. Just set your base timing to the factory spec, and leave the vacuum advance as the only variable.
The vacuum advance affects total advance. If you are pinging, you can carefully insert a small allen wrench into the inlet of the advance housing to adjust it. I'm not sure of the size, but when you get the right one, you'll feel it click. I believe turning clockwise gives you more advance and turning counterclockwise gives you less advance. You would want to turn it counterclockwise to lower the advance if you are getting pinging. Adjust it little by little until the pinging goes away.
If your base timing is too high this will cause pinging too. Just set your base timing to the factory spec, and leave the vacuum advance as the only variable.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: west michigan
Thanks guys. I just talked to the guy that had the engine before and he said he thinks the compression ratio is 10.5:1. No more cheap gas for me. Hahaa. He too said to try closing the plug gap a little and check to see if I'm jetted a little lean.
Wow I haven't used NGKs since my snowmobile days (we're talking the '70's). Isn't it odd how different vehicles seem to prefer certain brands of plugs. I've found that Fords really like Autolites and I've never been able to get a Volkswagen to run on any thing except Bosch. Actually, does anything at all run with Champions? Not that I've ever found anyway.
Wow I haven't used NGKs since my snowmobile days (we're talking the '70's). Isn't it odd how different vehicles seem to prefer certain brands of plugs. I've found that Fords really like Autolites and I've never been able to get a Volkswagen to run on any thing except Bosch. Actually, does anything at all run with Champions? Not that I've ever found anyway.
