Yes, I would start with the basics - vacuum, fuel pressure and timing. I would recommend tht if you find an issue with one item, don't stop, continue with the basic checks. How do you know your distributor isn't set up correctly?
Rough idle low throttle surge
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Thanks for the advise. With the dist, they installed new springs, and vacuum advance that's adjustable. I know they didn't make any adjustments to it. When I use my timing light it's all over the place. I got it to it starts right up and left it alone but I know it needs some attention.
If the idle is steady and the vaccine advanced is unplugged , then the spark should not wander more than 1-2 degrees at a consistent rpm. Try to define jumping all over the place please.
If I hold it at a steady rpm with the vacuum advance disconnected, set the timing light to say 35 or whatever, aim it at the Pulley the white line on the crank pulley is in a different spot everytime the light flashes. Way more than one or 2 degrees.
Do you own a vacuum gauge like this : http://www.harborfreight.com/fuel-pump-and-vacuum-tester-62637.html or equivalent?
What type of timing light do you have? I.e. rpm and timing, dial back, etc?
Do you understand the three types of timing? 1st - Base timing (sometimes referred to as intial), 2nd - mechanical timing (sometimes referred to as centrigfugal), and 3rd - vacuum advance timing?
Your previous post is not very helpful and I can explain why if you would like, but right at this moment it would be best to get the timing checked in the following manner : get the engine to operating temp, unhook the vacuum advance and plug the line, get the idle to below 900 rpm's and measure where the timing is set and describe how many degrees it is wandering. If for some reason you cannot get the idle steady AND below 900 rpms, then please let me/us know.
If you're willing to put the time and effort into learning, then I'm willing to teach you how to check and repar, dial in (curve) your distributor.
What type of timing light do you have? I.e. rpm and timing, dial back, etc?
Do you understand the three types of timing? 1st - Base timing (sometimes referred to as intial), 2nd - mechanical timing (sometimes referred to as centrigfugal), and 3rd - vacuum advance timing?
Your previous post is not very helpful and I can explain why if you would like, but right at this moment it would be best to get the timing checked in the following manner : get the engine to operating temp, unhook the vacuum advance and plug the line, get the idle to below 900 rpm's and measure where the timing is set and describe how many degrees it is wandering. If for some reason you cannot get the idle steady AND below 900 rpms, then please let me/us know.
If you're willing to put the time and effort into learning, then I'm willing to teach you how to check and repar, dial in (curve) your distributor.
Thanks so much for the help. I do understand how to set initial timing and mechanical timing. Ive never done more than that. I also have all kinds of vacuum gauges, (Im a Matco Dealer). I have never used a vacuum gauge. So I know a little and have a good idea how it all works but I have never done it on my own car. I have not spent alot of time on trying to get the timing perfect mainly because it was running and I have a swap planned for it hopefully soon, so I got lazy I guess. I believe that this time around Im going to find a fuel/vacuum issue. most likely some type of issue with the carb or dirt or something, I don't even know if there's a filter since I bought the car running the way it is I haven't checked underneath. They did ut a cheap electric fuel pump. Im going to toy with it this weekend and Ill let you know what I find.
Im hoping to get it to idle the way it did before last weekend and then ill tackle the timing and stuff
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I would try another distributor that you know works properly and even if that doesn't fix it at least you can rule that out as the cause
just in case you are not aware there is a round gasket for the distributor shaft. Make sure you don't loose it when you take the distributor out.
Yeah I know. I actually had to take that distributor out and move it over a tooth.
One thing I don't know how to do is that distributor has a vacuum advance that's adjustable. Has a little hex key you put through the vacuum port and turn either way. I don't know how to adjust that. I might take it off in favor of a regular one I have already.
One thing I don't know how to do is that distributor has a vacuum advance that's adjustable. Has a little hex key you put through the vacuum port and turn either way. I don't know how to adjust that. I might take it off in favor of a regular one I have already.
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