49 8BA has no power

[Vanspeed]

Originally Posted by cadillac512

The stock 8BA distributor has no mech advance. Only vac, so if it's not working you have no advance.

Interesting. I thought it had both. We’ll see tomorrow if the advance works when I throw my timing light on it.

[Vanspeed]

Update. This morning I checked that the carb was pulling vacuum which it was. Put the timing light on it and I couldn’t believe how far off it was. Can’t believe this thing would start so easily and idle so nice with it that far off. Adjusted the timing and it now has lots of power, pulls large hills in 3rd gear. Thanks for all those that replied to this thread.

[hueyhoolihan]

i'm assuming the timing was retarded, but it would be nice to know which direction. anyway...glad it's running well.

here's something interesting...when Google was asked this: "did vintage cars have the ability to retard timing so as to make starting easier"

the answer: "Yes, some vintage cars did have the ability to retard (delay) ignition timing to make starting easier, particularly those with manual spark advance controls. This was especially crucial when crank-starting an engine, as it helped prevent the engine from kicking back (suddenly rotating backward), which could cause injuries to the person cranking the engine.
Here's how it worked:
Manual Spark Control: In very early cars like the Ford Model T, the driver would manually adjust the spark timing using a lever, typically located on the steering column.
Retarding for Starting: To start the car, the lever would be moved to the fully retarded position, meaning the spark plugs would fire later in the piston's stroke. This allowed the hand-cranked starter to more easily turn the engine over.
Advancing Once Running: Once the engine started, the driver would gradually advance the spark (make the plugs fire earlier) to optimize the timing for smooth running and better power delivery.
Later on, mechanical and vacuum advance systems were introduced to automatically adjust the timing based on engine speed and load, according to the Antique Automobile Club of America - Discussion Forums. These advancements gradually phased out the need for manual spark control, but the principle of retarding the timing for easier starting was still relevant. Modern vehicles with computer-controlled ignition systems handle all ignition timing adjustments automatically."

[Vanspeed]

It was a true farm truck barn find. Came off a farm in Alabama. Perhaps the farmer retarded it for some reason/application? Who knows. The owner came by today and took it for a test spin. He was elated to say the least.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

It was a true farm truck barn find. Came off a farm in Alabama. Perhaps the farmer retarded it for some reason/application? Who knows. The owner came by today and took it for a test spin. He was elated to say the least.

[51shoeboxer]

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Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Yes the engine has the correct carb on it, the owner sent Charlie an earlier version as he was not aware that the 94 changed at all. I also suspect that the mechanical advance might be seized. I am checking that on Monday.

The Holley 94 carburetor is part of the load-a-matic advance system. There is no mechanical advance system (centrifugal advance); only a vacuum advance system in which engine vacuum is used to advance ignition timing. It is possible that the vacuum-controlled advance plate in the distributor is stuck, but you can easily check that. Another possibility is that the vacuum diaphragm on the distributor has failed. If you have an adjustable timing light, you might measure ignition timing at idle and with the engine at about 2000 RPM. With the load-a-matic system functioning properly, you should see the ignition timing advanced about 20 degrees at 2000 RPM. Good luck.

[Vanspeed]

Originally Posted by 51shoeboxer

The Holley 94 carburetor is part of the load-a-matic advance system. There is no mechanical advance system (centrifugal advance); only a vacuum advance system in which engine vacuum is used to advance ignition timing. It is possible that the vacuum-controlled advance plate in the distributor is stuck, but you can easily check that. Another possibility is that the vacuum diaphragm on the distributor has failed. If you have an adjustable timing light, you might measure ignition timing at idle and with the engine at about 2000 RPM. With the load-a-matic system functioning properly, you should see the ignition timing advanced about 20 degrees at 2000 RPM. Good luck.

Everything is good. I tested the vacuum at the carb and at the distributor. It was just very badly out of timing. Owner picked it up and said he can go 60 mph now! lol.

[speedshift]

Remember when the vac advance and the windshield wipers would both fade away on a rainy day in hilly Seattle? Had a 6 cyl 50 coupe, then got a 53 ohd six engine from Southend auto wrecking for $25. Took the flathead 8bas at the light, better torque curve.. now working on a 49 convert but a -brain bleed stroke makes it hard work.

[scooder]

It was stated the distributor doesn't look like it's been moved since the dawn of time. But now has a petronics kit in it. While this swap can be easily done without distributor removal, I've always found that the ignition will need retiming after fitting, even if it was spot on with the points fitted.
Martin.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by scooder

It was stated the distributor doesn't look like it's been moved since the dawn of time. But now has a petronics kit in it. While this swap can be easily done without distributor removal, I've always found that the ignition will need retiming after fitting, even if it was spot on with the points fitted.
Martin.

This is true. It can also change quite a bit. I put one into an SBC in a boat years ago without removing the distributor. When I tried to start it, it turned, backfired, and immediately "hydrolocked" the engine. A new roller rocker and a bunch of retard later, I got it scoped in.

[Vanspeed]

Originally Posted by scooder

It was stated the distributor doesn't look like it's been moved since the dawn of time. But now has a petronics kit in it. While this swap can be easily done without distributor removal, I've always found that the ignition will need retiming after fitting, even if it was spot on with the points fitted.
Martin.

Good thought for sure. I did not re-time it after installing the Petronix.