Unless your timing is way off, slight timing variance won't generally cause a "cough".
If a timing light indicates that the ball is on the needle and your octane selector is set at zero, you should have 5 degrees advance which is called for on a 216.
What carburetor do you have and how would you describe its current condition? Recently rebuilt, properly adjusted?
You didn't mention anything about your points. Dirty points make for a weak spark. Will that cause a cough? Maybe. It's something which requires checking and maintaining regardless.
Bottom line is, I wouldn't start with adjusting the timing away from factory setting of 5 degrees BTC in an attempt to chase down a cough.
Last edited by 52Carl; 06/13/2025 1:44 AM.
