I looked in the FAQ's and did a search, but could not find a procedure on how to properly set the timing on a 99% stock set up. I need to set the timing, vacuum, dwell and proper fuel mixture/ idle speed for my quadrajet. The only item I am aware of that is not stock to 1968 is I do not have a dual port vacuum advance on the distributer.

The service manual is not real clear either.

My car just does not seem to pull like it should. Seems sluggish. A 400 car should easily light the tires up for a good distance and it currently doesn't.

Maybe I just did not see it and someone can steer me to the right place?

There are a couple of great threads on timing going right now...I'm learning some new tricks too.

Set the timing first, with vacuum advance disconnected. Then double check the dwell, as it will change. Then verify timing again. Don't worry about the vacuum canister retard port, it's not going to affect a tuneup.

Once the timing is set, set the idle speed at the recommended setting. Get the engine warm, make sure it's kicked off the choke and fast idle. Set the curb idle speed, then adjust the mixture for maximum vacuum. Vacuum gauge should be on manifold vacuum, the small port in front of the carb is handy. Reset the curb idle and tweak the mixture as necessary. Be sure to start the mixture screws with equal settings (engine off), 2 1/2 turns out from lightly seated should be richer than necessary so you only need clockwise adjustments to tune it. Verify with the engine running by turning each mixture screw counterclockwise half a turn. If the engine does not speed up, return screws to their previous setting and start tuning. 1/4 turn in on each screw, listen to the engine. It should speed up slightly, and the vacuum reading should increase. Adjust the idle speed back to spec, note vacuum reading. Another 1/4 turn on each screw. Readjust idle, check vacuum. Continue until vacuum reading is at its highest point with the idle speed at book value.

You'll know when to stop when the engine runs a bit more roughly and vacuum readings start to decline. Back off to the previous setting, and I back off an additional 1/8 turn on each screw.

Side note: make sure both mixture screws are identical in length and profile. I was trying to tune one once that had a late model and an early mixture screw and there was no way that it was going to tune with equal treatment.

Thank you Vikki, this is the exact kind of information I was looking for.

I did find out tonight my dwell meter is screwed up, so I can't check the points and set the dwell until I fix it or get a new one. I only paid $1.00 for it at a garage sale, so no big loss if I can't fix it. The real score at the garage sale was a sweet Craftsman timing light for $1.00.

Timing is set properly now and seems to be running smoother. The TVS vacuum routing shown in the FAQ appears to be wrong, so I had to re-figure that one out. Now that I understand how the thing is supposed to work, ports 4 & 5 as shown, do not loop back on each other like I had it. At some point in its life, the dual port distributor vacuum advance was replaced with a single replacement unit. I would assume this was done early on as the Service bulletin recommended it. The distributor retard port on the TVS is now plugged. (Anyone have an extra proper cap they can send me?) I will verify this is working better when I take her out for a run tomorrow.

As for adjusting the quadrajet, (I have a 7028264 correctly dated model) I came across this paper that seems to cover just about everything you would need to know about how they were designed, functionality and complete adjustment. It will take a while to digest all the info in there. Luckily, the carb seems to be adjusted fairly well right now and I have time to learn. I will adjust mixture and idle speed only for now.

This guy sounds like he knows what he is doing:

Quadrajet Paper

Does anyone have an electronic copy of the Quadrajet service manual as shown here?:

Carb Manual

Tim

Yes, I have the manual. http://thefirstgensite.com/library/qjrepair/qjservice1981.pdf

Sweet...

I have the 67-81 Chilton's manual on the way.

I am going to run the binding through my joiner and I have a friend who is going to scan it all at his work. Want it?

Sure thing, there is plenty of space on the site, and plenty of bandwidth.

I really love how the manual says to adjust the carb with the air cleaner on. Anyone really do this with out a problem? I can't get at the right jet unless I use a very short screw driver about two inches long. And the left side is no easy tsak either. And that's why my car is always just OK, because doing it the way the manual says I have not been able to figure out yet. I also like the part about adjusting the automatic cars in drive. Yup, that's something OSHA would really love.

Vikki, do you have a way to scan loose pages?

I have the book, no binding. The person I was hoping to have scan it can't. If you want it to scan, I can send it to you.

Or if anyone else on the board can scan loose pages, double sided, small pages. ~5" x 9"?

I have to manually scan, I don't have ready (free) access to an automated duplexing document feeder anymore. Which is too bad, because I have some really great stuff to post if I can ever get it digitized. Things like a 1968 Body Parts Catalog...

I have a fullly auto duplexing network color scanner printer copier (a big toshiba floor model)It sometimes makes a good cup of coffee and a better rum and coke!

Longer way to send it but the offer is there...

Dave I need to ship you the 2 extra seat belt covers I will not be using anyway, so I could just put it all into one box.

Scan it, and send it back to me when you get the chance. Cool?

I don't want anything for the covers anyway. They are not in top clean form, but maybe you can clean them up and use them.

I have a full auto duplexing copy machine that I am sure does scanning too, but it is not hooked up into the company network, so I cannot do it.

Tim

Sure , will do....and thx for the covers, I'll PM you the address. I'll send it back as soon as its done with a CD of the scan as well as one to Vicky if she wants to host it.

Mine is hooked up to the company network so it scans and then automatically emails me the files.....

David, there is definitely space to host it!

I knew there would be....I'll get your address when I have it all wrapped up, as a CD would likely be asier as I expect the chapter file sizes may be large, but if not I'll email them one by one....

I think my office email chokes at about 7.5Mb

I can give you an FTP address if you prefer, but it can be a pain if it aborts overnight.

Dave, I just got back the book yesterday, so I will get it packed with the covers and out this week.

Tim