This newbie is trying to learn...and a bit confused!
I'm trying to investigate/set the timing on my 400. Interested in maybe an initial timing of 8ish, total around 36.
Using an adjustable advance timing light, here's what I get: 2300rpm: Setting the light to 50 puts the line at 0 Idle rpm: Setting the light at 18 puts the line to 0
Setting the light to 0 puts the line to 12.
Can anyone give me some instruction please? Much appreciated!!
For now keep the vac adv unplugged while checking the timing. When the gun is set to 0 it works as a plain ole timing light. So if you are reading 12 on the timing tab when the gun is set to 0 and you have to dial back 18 on the gun to get it to 0 on the tab, that right there is a problem. You shoulld only have to dial back 12. First, double check that right there. Whatever it reads on the timing tab when the gun is at 0, you should be able to dial back that exact amount on the gun and the timing tab should read 0.
You will not be able to set both the initial and the total mechanical advance individually without modifying your distributor. You may set one, and then you are stuck with the other.
I would adjust the total first. Set to 36 degrees and do this with the engine about 3000 rpms to make sure it is all in. Then let it idle back down and see where your inital is. You may need to adjust the idle at this point. If its anything reasonable then plug in your vac adv and re-adjust the idle.
