Quick Timing Question

[mheath717]

I just have a simple question, and am looking to you Oldsmobile lovers for answers. I've got an 84 Cutlass with a 1969 Oldsmobile 350 in it. Powering my spark is an HEI distributor. I just want to know what my timing is supposed to be set at. I have my timing set at 20 degrees, and the car runs fine, and starts up fine when cold. When hot, it tends to be hard to start. I spoke with a few mechanics in my town, and they all told me I had my timing set too high for the year motor that is in it.

So I just need to know what setting seems to work the best? Just want my car to start easier when hot. Preciate all your help in advance.

 

[Oldsmoletick]

It does sound high, however, Im dealing wirth a similar issue with mine, I looked through all my FSM's and other service manuals, and all of them agree, an Olds 350 with HEI, initial or base timing is set to 20 degrees. With points much lower like 12 ish. With mine at 20 the car feels sluggish, I bumped it up to 25 degrees, runs very nice, it lugs to start when hot, but has no pinging going on. I guess I'm just used to a slow turn over.

 

[Doober]

Possibly a weak starter or battery? How long has it been doing it?

I just have a simple question, and am looking to you Oldsmobile lovers for answers. I've got an 84 Cutlass with a 1969 Oldsmobile 350 in it. Powering my spark is an HEI distributor. I just want to know what my timing is supposed to be set at. I have my timing set at 20 degrees, and the car runs fine, and starts up fine when cold. When hot, it tends to be hard to start. I spoke with a few mechanics in my town, and they all told me I had my timing set too high for the year motor that is in it.

So I just need to know what setting seems to work the best? Just want my car to start easier when hot. Preciate all your help in advance.

That sounds like a reasonable explanation. Run it 'til it's at operating temperature, and try to start it. Nudge it back a little at a time until it starts easily... if the starter & battery are good, that's the most initial timing you'll get out of it. Most Chevy motors are good with 12-15º initial, 30-36º total depending on engine combination, sounds like it may be the same with Olds motors.

 

[mheath717]

Its got a brand new 800 CCA battery with a new remanufactured starter. But it has done it the whole time I have had the new motor put in.