'51 8BA - What is the correct ignition setting?

W

waynet

Senior Member
Gentlemen,

When I first checked the ignition timing both the pointer and the pulley notch lined up with the engine running at an idle. When I rechecked the timing with the vacuum line disconnected, and left open at the distributor, the pulley notch was way passed the pointer by at least 25-30deg after top dead centre.

What is the correct procedure for setting the ignition timing?

Thanks as always.
 
The initial timing is around 2 deg, However the advance is controlled by a special 94 style carb that controls the advance under load. It's called the Load a matic system and works well on a stock engine.
Gramps
 
waynet said:
Gentlemen,

When I rechecked the timing with the vacuum line disconnected, and left open at the distributor, the pulley notch was way passed the pointer by at least 25-30deg after top dead centre.

What is the correct procedure for setting the ignition timing?

Thanks as always.
Click to expand...
The vacuum line to the dist. has to be removed when checking.
 
Last edited:
waynet said:
Connection is at the base of the Holley 94 carby.
Click to expand...

The "base" (the bottom-most cast iron part) or the "body" (the pot metal part with "8BA", "94" or some such cast on it)? The "Load-A-Matic" vacuum line should be connected to a port on the back of the body of the carburetor, not the base.
 
I KEEP FORGETING SIMPLE THINGS LIKE REMOVING THE VACUME LINE. i THINK IT'S TIME FOR ME TOBOW OUT, AND LET THEREST OF YOUSE GUYS PASSON THE HELP TO THE BEGINNERS. NUFF SAID !!!
GRAMPS
 
No, no Ron. No bowing out for you.
Your input, experience and knowledge are always valuable and appreciated.
 
waynet said:
Connection is at the base of the Holley 94 carby.
Click to expand...
Believe it should be connected to this port on carb.
483976
 

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Plugging the vacuum line when setting the timing is interesting. Which side do you plug, the distributor end or the carb end. Why does it need to be plugged if it’s disconnected from the distributor and not impacting the point plate advance?

JB
 
3twinridges said:
Plugging the vacuum line when setting the timing is interesting. Which side do you plug, the distributor end or the carb end. Why does it need to be plugged if it’s disconnected from the distributor and not impacting the point plate advance?

JB
Click to expand...
I have wondered the same thing. I left the vacuum line unplugged and the engine still idled ok. I also left the distributor hole unplugged which obviously appears to assist with accurate ignition timing.
 
waynet said:
I have wondered the same thing. I left the vacuum line unplugged and the engine still idled ok. I also left the distributor hole unplugged which obviously appears to assist with accurate ignition timing.
Click to expand...
The line is removed from the distributor to prevent it from seeing any vacuum signal.
If the idle speed is to spec. after disconnecting vac. from distributor then it does not have to be plugged.
 
There isn't much going on a idle but there is some low pressure that will act on the spark control diaphragm. All they have is a little dimple on the crank pulley to set on the pointer on the timing cover.
 
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