Re: Adjusting the Timing on a

Posted by Tim Cole On 2022/6/28 8:36:28

Look in the literature archive for 1955 and you will find the Service Manual. Use Section VIII - electrical.

The reason 400-475 rpm is specified is because that is below any advance. The vacuum advance operates on ported vacuum which is inactive when the throttle is that far closed. That can be checked with a vacuum gauge which should read zero. However, if you disconnect it at the distributor you risk cross threaded because the line bends when you change the timing. Higher rpm also can affect the mechanical advance, so you really need to use a tach/dwell meter.

The reason I like to set the initial timing using the test light method (besides the fact that it makes rebuilt engines start instantly in front of an audience or the customer) is because it guarantees a good initial result. If the light is way off or moving around because of wear the timing will not be correct.

If you want to see the SUN distributor machine in action you can go to junktube or watch the movie Pit Stop (also on junktube) where they show it being run. I love that machine. You can set up those dual point systems perfectly. You get the lights for the fixed set lined up and then move the other set until all the lights are lined up. I only knew one place that had it.