Hello, I'm running a pertronix unit along with a superstock accel coil. The distributor is turned completely in towards the block (fully advanced, I believe). When using a timing light on it, the mark is way off the degree scale; however, whenever I try to bring the timing down the engine gets rough and stumbles. I bypassed the resistor wire so that shouldn't be an issue. Is the engine just going to be happy with the timing that far advanced? Or are there other things I can check? Thanks for the help
The timing mark on your crankshaft vibration damper has probably slipped. This is quite common on Ford engines. To see if it has, bring the piston on #1 cylinder all the way to the top ( TDC ). Look at the mark on the pulley and the scale on the cover. You should see " 0 ". If it is not, just take a white marker and draw a thin mark on the pulley that lines up with " 0 ". Now you can set your timing to specs. Be aware with the garbage gas we have now, that factory specs may not give you the best performance and economy! I would set the timing to spec, drive the car, move the timing 2° advanced and drive the car again. If it is better, keep advancing it 2° at a time. If it ran worse advancing the timing, do the same thing ( starting at spec ) only retard the timing 2° at a time. We may have to go back to distributors that you can set from inside the car if the fuel gets much worse! I am using alcohol free fuel in my car right now ( I just got 5 gallons ) to test it and so far I've noticed better starting, better running, and better mileage! It is $1 more than regular gas ( funny how not putting something in there costs more ), but I think the mileage makes up for most of it. I'd use 100LL avgas, but it is $5.46 a gallon here!
Would it slip within only 300 miles on a new engine? and to put the piston TDC, just plug the #1 plug and look?
It can absolutely slip in 300 miles! If you have ac, each time the compressor cycles will let it slip too! I marked mine to set timing and checked it after a few days and it had moved over 10°! Yeah, I know I need a new pulley, but I'll wait until I see the little rubber ring going bad first. To set TDC, yes, just remove the spark plug and turn the engine by hand with a wrench on the pulley nut. If you shine a light into the spark plug hole, it will be very easy to see when the piston is all the way to the top! Once you get it to the top turn the engine slightly back and forth. You'll be able to tell when it's right at the top!
Never ran the ac since it needs a new compressor ha. Guess it's good to know it can slip that much. I know when we first installed everything, the mark was still of the scale. So maybe it was installed a tooth off?
Make sure you're checking the timing with the vacuum line disconnected and plugged. If not, then you will get very high readings. I use a drinking straw from McDonalds to find TBC. Be sure the engine is cold or the straw will melt.
I can't imagine the timing is too far off as of now. I'm getting 18 mpg highway and temp is staying right at 190 on a hot day. Don't know if that's indicative of anything.
Yep, I would start with all the basics. Check TDC and the timing mark, set the spark plug gap to the electronic ignition specs , make sure the Pertronix unit is gapped properly (they have a gap spec just like points). Check vacuum lines (I had a bad distributor modulator valve that really played havoc with me but I eventually showed um whose boss) I also had issues with my spark plug wires, the Accel and Pertronix will cut through OEM wires and will make your engine bay look like Christmas all night long. I’ve included a few links below, the have great information on the six’s, specs, troubleshooting etc… Once you have double checked the basics, get back to us and let us know how it went! http://www.classicinlines.com/tech.asp http://www.1bad6t.com/Maverick/repair/repair_index.html
I usually put in premium here (forgot what that is, maybe 91?). The engine is a fresh rebuild as well with the 2bbl progressive weber. So not sure what to expect with fuel economy. My car does start right up. A bit cold blooded until the electric choke warms up. I know since we first fired the engine the timing mark was off the scale
Have a 1970 200 ci with 10,000 original miles...getting engine ping when I step a little harder on the gas or going up a hill. Set the timing to factory specs — same issue. I’ve been moving the distributor a tiny bit, driving it, moving it again when I hear the pinging. The pinging still happens. I’ve disconnected the 2 vacuum lines and plugged them and it still pings. I’m using 89 octane gas. I assume the pinging can hurt the motor at some point. Any suggestions. Thanks! Any Maverick experts in the Rhode Island area?
