My buddy told me since I have a cheap distributor I can either buy a new MSD or give it to him and he will weld stops in it. Does this sound like a distributor issue or ignition box?
Weird misfire
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is the timing light digital? if it is you can't use it with the MSD digital box. I would replace the distributor before welding stops especially on a street car. I you want to adjust the mechanical advance in an HEI distributor..
Center Plate 445 + Weights 60 = 19 degrees
Center Plate 445 + Weights 053 = 18 degrees
Center Plate 469 + Weights 60 = 21 degrees
Center Plate 469 + Weights 053 = 20 degrees
Center Plate 375 + Weights 60 = 26 degrees
Center Plate 375 + Weights 053 = 25 degrees
Center Plate 445 + Weights 60 = 19 degrees
Center Plate 445 + Weights 053 = 18 degrees
Center Plate 469 + Weights 60 = 21 degrees
Center Plate 469 + Weights 053 = 20 degrees
Center Plate 375 + Weights 60 = 26 degrees
Center Plate 375 + Weights 053 = 25 degrees
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The more I read the more I think my issue is my vacuum advance. I know my vacuum advance is adjustable via an allen screw inside the diaphram housing. I know to limit advance you need to shorten the linkage travel but does anyone have or know of a guide to adjust it? Like how much travel is taken out per turn outward? Or is it just a matter of trial and error with a timing light?
When I found out my timing was jumping I didn't have the vacuum line off of the advance.
When I found out my timing was jumping I didn't have the vacuum line off of the advance.
try turning 1- 2 turns at a time and test afterwards. You can road test it till you get it right turn clockwise until you get spark knock and then turn it out until the spark knock is gone....
I figured I would update this. I ordered a vacuum advance limiting plate from Crane Cams. Installed it to take out about 6-8* of timing and turned the screw in the vacuum canister out 2 full turns. I fired it up, checked the timing and it didn't change anything. 10* initial, 42-44* all in. I said **** it(I literally said that) and unplugged the vacuum advance. Set the initial to about 15* and that put my total around 32-33*. Took it for a test drive and wala no more cruising misfire! It feels more responsive and pulls harder above 3k than it did before.
I think im gonna order a vacuum advance block off plate for the distributor and call it a wrap. Now my transmission is leaking fluid like crazy from the pan gasket. I talked to the builder and he says he will take care of it I just have to get it to him. That's next on the list. I plan on taking it to the first car show it has seen Labor Day weekend!
I think im gonna order a vacuum advance block off plate for the distributor and call it a wrap. Now my transmission is leaking fluid like crazy from the pan gasket. I talked to the builder and he says he will take care of it I just have to get it to him. That's next on the list. I plan on taking it to the first car show it has seen Labor Day weekend!
when my e-curve distributor came up with a problem I dropped in one of my msd 85551 back up distributors. The 85551 has no vacuum advance and it was fine on the highway but it hurts the performance and gas mileage in city streets. I was happy when I put my e-curve back in. I would suggest you figure out the problem with the vacuum advance...
The reason I use the 85551 as a backup is because it runs off the msd box. The e-curve runs off the msd box or without the box. If my e curve dies on the road I have the 85551 distributor under my seat. and it uses the same cap as the e-curve If the box dies I have the wiring all set up to run the e curve without the box, it's plug and play. I guess you can tell how much I trust msd stuff...haha
The reason I use the 85551 as a backup is because it runs off the msd box. The e-curve runs off the msd box or without the box. If my e curve dies on the road I have the 85551 distributor under my seat. and it uses the same cap as the e-curve If the box dies I have the wiring all set up to run the e curve without the box, it's plug and play. I guess you can tell how much I trust msd stuff...haha
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