I'm in the process of changing the cam in my 240 six and was wondering how to set initial ingnition timing when re-installing the distributor. I read somewhere that to set initial timing you should set crankshaft to 6degrees BTDC "my initial timing" on #1 cylinder, remove that sparkplug and attach a jumper wire to the threaded section and ground, then rotate distributor housing backward so that rotor no longer points to #1 tower, then turn igniton switch to on and slowly rotate distributor housing forward until sparkplug fires, then tighten distributor clamp and this should ensure correct timing at start-up. The only reason that I'm going thru all this trouble is that the instructions for the cam state that engine should not be allowed to idle during break -in but should be brought to 2000 rpm and held there for 20 minutes. Does this sound right?
And off the question, does it matter how the coil is pointed, up or horizontal, I was planning on moving it off the engine and mounting it to the fire-wall? Thanks

 

About running in the new cam,you're half right.
You're right> Don't let it idle.
The engine Rpm should be changed during that 20-30 minutes.
1000 > 2000 <> 1200 > 1800 <> 1000 > 2000 through that time period

Dennis https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=1733&.jpg
[i][font color=red]Calgary,Alberta,Canada[/font][i]





[font color=blue]Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions,
"I'm Saving My Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's" [font/]


78 F-150 429CJ,Silver, Explorer Pkg.
641/2-Mustang 260,Pre-World's Fair Car.
64-Fairlane500 S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang 289-Sunlit Gold 80,892Mi
78-Buick LeSabre 403 4V
84 Volvo DL Wagon

 

The coil may be mounted in any position, preferably away from sources of excessive heat (headers). 6 deg initial will be great for getting it fired right up. Go ahead and set the carburetor's idle speed at 2000 RPM, that way you don't need to babysit the gas pedal with your foot, and then you can adjust it when you're changing RPM's during break in
Happy wrenching
John F. Daly III
The TorqueKing