Timing set up

[dungbeetle07]

Just installed plug wires and an engine grounding cable....damn squirrels!  Now I'm setting my timing.  272 with a 2bbl and a Ford-o-magic.  If I'm reading correctly, the ford shop manual says the initial should be at 6 BTDC; but where do I go after that?  I learned from an older mechanic that you can slowly and incrementally advance until detonation and then back it off.  Thoughts?

Thanks!

[lalessi1]

Conventional wisdom is to set the timing AFTER the centrifugal advance has fully come in without the vacuum advance connected. (Rev the engine until the timing stops advancing.) Not sure what Y-blocks like as a maximum number but with todays fuels it may be less than it used to be. I'm sure somebody will give you good info. I set my FE at a max advance of 36 degrees total (minus vacuum advance).

[dungbeetle07]

So in your example:
-Disconnect/plug vacuum adv.
-Accel the eng until the timing fully advances.
-Then adj to 36 degrees.
And that is done regardless of what the vacuum adv does? So total could be more the 36.

[CobraJoe]

I agree, I never set base timing, just total advance, usually 36*-38*

[dungbeetle07]

Thanks

[thomasso]

We always set initial timing 1 degree extra per thousand feet altitude plus few more, premium fuel used to be two cents a gallon more.  But then again I'm 80.

[SkylinerRon]

1st check to see if the timing ring on the balancer has slipped. (Find true TDC)

Plug vacuum line.

Set total advance to 36* @ 3k rpm

Vacuum advance comes on when throttle is closed, goes off when you step on the gas.

If it pings try high test gas or retard spark about 2* and retry.

Good luck,

Ron.

[dungbeetle07]

Thanks Ron, great timing...? just getting back to it.