timing problems

T

troutmalt

Member
'68 Mustang - 302 V8 Pertronics electronic module in distributor -
no vacuum advance.

Finally I got a timing tape on the harmonic balancer. Now at 800 RPM I set the static timing @ 10 degrees BTDC. By ear, the engine ruins nicely there.
But on high revs @ 4,000 RPM) the timing will only advance to 24 degrees BTDC - not 36 degrees per manual.

Since Pertronics says the the module is only a trigger - no advance - that means my centrifical advance is not opening all the way??

What do you experts advise?
 
To make sure I understand. The time light shows 10* initial, but only advances to 24* on the timing tape at 4000. Does it quit advancing there? No change at say 5000?

I’m not familiar with those particular distributors, but in general if the advance is working, and there’s not a lot of jumping around, they just work.

My first thought would be maybe a prior owner modified the distributor, or it’s been replaced with a model that got different weights and springs. I don’t recall, did you post the numbers off the distributor earlier? That would give an expert specs to look up.
 
First, make sure the tape was designed for a balancer the same diameter as yours. Then, leave the timing light on the shelf and time with a vacuum gauge. Advance to the highest amount of vacuum, then back off about 1/2 inch of vacuum, and test drive to listen for ping. If no ping, drive the snot out of it. Usually, for a street engine with a mild cam and some extra compression, I would need to step up to 89 octane gas.
 
Hey troutmalt,

Try to keep all of your questions within the original thread as all learned info will be scattered over the forum and will be missed/lost by others.

THANX!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top