The manual for my '72 302 calls for the timing to be set at 6 degrees BTDC (I assume with the vaccum hoses disconnected from the distributor). If I set it that way and reconnect the vaccum hoses the timing is then retarded about 10 degrees and it idles real slow. Is that how it is supposed to work? I have the type of dist. with the 2 vaccum connections. Do I have the hoses connected to the right ports?

If I open up the throttle the vaccum goes down and the timing is advanced.

How should I go about setting the timing on this beast?

Thanks for help in advance.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 18-Jul-02 AT 05:50 PM (EST)]In the past I have always done away with the rear hose and have the front hose running to ported vacuum (vac when the throttle opens).

Then I just set the timing as directed.

ps, I also unscrewed the front bolt from the dist and removed the washer in front of the spring. (timing advances a little quicker).

This is what I have done....I would suggest a second opinion. Sometimes I'm an idiot.