Timing a 273
I did not think a simple thing like adjusting the timing was so controversial. The spec. I have states 10 deg. before or 5 deg after if it has CAP air cleaner ??? . So now i am really not sure were to set it. So just set the total 34 deg and for get it
Mike
It's not really controversial, it's more like
"what do you have?"
First, as old as all these girls are, can you be certain that you actually have the original unmodified production distributor, and IF you do, does it actually work as it's supposed to? Is it worn? Do the advance mechanisms work?
Second, as old as these girls are, do you still have the all original all production engine AND CAM?
Third, CAP means that "optimum" timing is not what was specified. What was specified is what meets smog.
I would DEFINATELY do what you need to do to mark the balancer or whatever and determine what total MECHANICAL (vacuum unhooked) is along with what initial it takes to "get there."
I would make a quick check "do the advance mechanisms work?" Simple and quick with a tach and a light. You don't need to get that fussy for a quick idea, just see if it advances how much and what RPM you'd expect
Crackedback has written a lot on this. Set your initial with vacuum disconnected, adjust timing for highest vacuum, then see if it pings or the starter kicks back. You can retard it some from this value if need be
Then see what you have for "all in" mechanical and see if the total advance makes sense
Last, plug in the vacuum and check it.
This is a one shot deal PERIODICALLY. Maybe ever couple of years depending on how much you drive. Record your findings, then you know where to time it "next time."
