The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop I feel stupid but....

I've had a lot of off & on trouble getting my 52 GMC to not hesitate and to just generally run well. FINALLY FIGURED THE PROBLEM!!! For some reason I never loostened the vacuum advance from the distributer. When I did that I was able to get the timing advanced far enough to make the little 228 RUN. The timing light is useless though because the marks aren't anywhere they are supposed to be. BUT WHO CARES.
My wife can drive it now cause there's no hesitation and lots of low and top end power.
I know I'm probably not the only temporary bonehead out there so I thought you would appreciate the story.
Jim

Timing marks being off could mean the carb mixture and idle are poorly adjusted. I had a Willys CJ2A engine that I couldn't get to run with timing set properly, but my mechanic cousin adjusted the carb and the timing came into line. He had a dwell meter and an idle meter which also helped diagnose the problem.

I thought the same as you at first. I had idle set way too high, but can't remember if mixture was way too lean or rich... Purred like a kitten after the tuneup.

-Boyo

The point gap also affects the timing, but it shouldn't change where the timing mark falls.

For a good diagnostic tool, get a vacuum gauge, about $15 at a parts store. For info on use:
http://centuryperformance.com/vacuum.asp

I'm using the Petronix pointless ignition so I don't have a dwell time. I probably will do the tune up deal when I get some time but for now I'll leave well enough alone. I realize the marks have to be there somewhere close.
jim

Thanks for the link Fred. Good info.