First let me say that I am a rookie when it comes to tune ups. But I need to start somewhere, so armed with a shop manual, a tach, and a timing light, I figured I couldn't go wrong with something as simple as the 216 in my truck, which probably doesn't need a tuneup to begin with. Half a day later, I have several questions that need some answers from the experts.
(1) Manual says the #1 plug wire attaches to the distributor at the point farthest from the block. Now I always thought that the #1 cylinder was at the front end of the motor, but darn if the wire that runs to the front cylinder doesn't come from the point CLOSEST to the block. From there, all of the wires are in proper firing sequence.
(2) When I hook up the timing light to the rear plug (which I thought was #6), she times perfectly, although I'm supposed to be connected to #1.
(3) Manual says to set the idle at 450-500 RPM. She runs like a top at about 800 RPM but lower than that the motor tends to stall. Carb was just rebuilt. Should I really be trying to make this work at 450-500 RPM or is 800 good enough. Will that upset any other part of the timing process?
(4) Finally, with today's fuels, where should the octane selector end up? Don't think my ear is trained enough to set it based on relative degrees of pinging which is what the manual calls for.
Thanks for answering all or part.
