Basic Timing Question

[Joe Flanagan]

I recently had my distributor removed so I could repair the lead wires inside it. After reinstalling the distributor, I re-set the timing using a light. Then I set the idle speed. Is this the right order? Seems I read somewhere that you should set idle speed first, then go to the timing light. It didn't occur to me until after I finished.

[55 Fargo]

I recently had my distributor removed so I could repair the lead wires inside it. After reinstalling the distributor, I re-set the timing using a light. Then I set the idle speed. Is this the right order? Seems I read somewhere that you should set idle speed first, then go to the timing light. It didn't occur to me until after I finished.

Your idle will pickup speed with timing advance.

Set your timing  then idle speed or are you thinking about idle mixture for highest vacuum?

I just set my timing, then did idle mixture for max vacuum  and set speed, all is very good...

[Joe Flanagan]

No, Fred, I was talking about idle speed, not mixture. I did it in the same order as you. I've discovered that if I use a vacuum gauge to adjust my timing, I wind up pretty far advanced, which I understand is not good for these engines, especially under sustained use. So I use a timing light and then check it with a vacuum gauge to see if I'm in the right range and call it good. But if I adjust to get the highest vacuum possible at idle, I'm way far advanced. 

[desoto1939]

Joe:  i just basically using a timing light and set my 39 Desoto to be 2 degrees before TDC.  Then I make the other ajustments for the idle speed .

 

I do not get into the real fine adjustments. I can run my car at 50MPH and that is fine for me.

 

Rich HArtung