Re: Senior 8 - Lack of Performance

Posted by 32model901 On 2014/9/27 12:13:36

Hi All,

Thanks for the comments and words of wisdom.

I have not run a hot compression test, it is next on my to-do list.

I checked the dwell and it was steady. With the points at .020" I would expect a dwell around 28 - 32. I was reading around 38 - 40. Maybe I was a little off on the .020" setting.

The distributor was re-bushed, it is nice and tight. I'm going to dial indicate it to re-check. Dwell holds steady at fast idle.

My test of the secondary from the coil give a nice fat, snappy, blue spark, about 3/8" long. I'll look into the NAPA tester.

To make it easier timing I made up a degree plate that is permanently mounted to the timing cover case. The 0, 5, 10, and 15 BTC marks on this plate correspond to the timing marks on the flywheel. A white line on the vibration damper allows me to set the timing without removing the starter each time.

I did have an intermittent problem with the distributor a few years back. A heavy ground wire from the distributor casting to one of the distributor hold down bolts corrected the problem.

Points have been converted from the dual Northeast setup to the single point conversion plate currently being sold. Synchronization was done using the timing marks.

Good point on the vacuum test. This needs to be done, maybe both cold and hot, along with the hot compression test.

One other point worth mentioning. Previously when starting the motor cold I would get some slight tappet tick until she warmed up, after about 10-15 minutes. Now when I start it up cold I don't any tappet tick, tick.

I wondering if the clearance closed up? Hot compression check should tell.

Checked the timing chain, thru the access plug, not much play.

Still scratching my head.....