Chuddy117,

This might be of little help.

Setting Timing (other readers please correct me, if I am wrong here):

- Set the point gap (and/or the dwell).

- Disconnect vacuum line at fuel pump; and, plug/cover/seal the end of the line going to the carburetor.

- Warm up engine; idle speed should be 450-500 R.P.M. (manual transmission)

- Check the dwell (reset points, if necessary)

- "Set the octane selector at "0" on the scale . . . loosen the distributor clamp and rotate the distributor body . . . " until timing mark and pointer line up.

The Chevrolet Truck Operator's manual states:

"The octane selector at the rear of the distributor mounting provides a means of advancing or retarding the ignition timing for the grade of fuel being used."

"Octane selector should be set for the grade of fuel being used to produce a slight "ping" on acceleration."

"Octance Selector: When changing to a grade of fuel with a higher or lower octane rating it may be advisable to advance or retard the spark slightly. Advance the spark to take advantage of higher octane fuel and retard it to to prevent excessive detonation with lower octane rated fuel. . . . loosen the clamp bolt and move the distributor assembly toward advance or retard as desired and tighten the clamp bolt securely. By adjusting the spark in this manner it can be readjusted to the original setting when desired without special ignition timing equipment. (They did not like to waste ink on commas back then)

I have never been confident about my ability to hear the "ping".

I think that microprocessors and sensors take care of these "fine adjustments" in modern vehicles.

Tim

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.