timing

i got a 71 duster w/ a 318 3spd manual. can't seem to find where in my manual it tells you what to time it at. anybody got any ideas how to time this thing? :salut:

Should be TDC +- 2.5deg with engine idling and vacuum disconnected from vac adv unit

Id bump it up to about 10 degrees ATDC

Me too. But that's spec for that engine.
I always bumped the timing up to the point of detonation then backed it off a bit. Makes just a wee bit more power and a little bit better fuel milage if you can keep your foot out of it.

plug the vacuum hose too

You shouldn't have to as it's ported vacuum source.

aircleaner on?

Mopower71 wrote:
vacuum disconnected from vac adv unit
and then
You shouldn't have to [plug the line] as it's ported vacuum source.

So why would he need to disconnect it if it's a ported source?

hmmm You probably don't have to.But that's the way the books were always written. But what if you have a slight vacuum leaking through the ported vacuum source.
Leaving it open won't affect timing, it will affect carb mixture though.