'51 8BA - What is the correct ignition setting?

[waynet]

Gentlemen,

When I first checked the ignition timing both the pointer and the pulley notch lined up with the engine running at an idle. When I rechecked the timing with the vacuum line disconnected, and left open at the distributor, the pulley notch was way passed the pointer by at least 25-30deg after top dead centre.

What is the correct procedure for setting the ignition timing?

Thanks as always.

[Ol' Ron]

The initial timing is around 2 deg, However the advance is controlled by a special 94 style carb that controls the advance under load. It's called the Load a matic system and works well on a stock engine.
Gramps

[19Fordy]

Here's some good reading.
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+...hrome&ie=UTF-8

[flatjack9]

Initial timing is set with vacuum disconnected and plugged. Where is your vacuum line connected?

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by waynet

Gentlemen,

When I rechecked the timing with the vacuum line disconnected, and left open at the distributor, the pulley notch was way passed the pointer by at least 25-30deg after top dead centre.

What is the correct procedure for setting the ignition timing?

Thanks as always.

The vacuum line to the dist. has to be removed when checking.

[waynet]

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Originally Posted by flatjack9

Initial timing is set with vacuum disconnected and plugged. Where is your vacuum line connected?

Connection is at the base of the Holley 94 carby.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by waynet

Connection is at the base of the Holley 94 carby.

The "base" (the bottom-most cast iron part) or the "body" (the pot metal part with "8BA", "94" or some such cast on it)? The "Load-A-Matic" vacuum line should be connected to a port on the back of the body of the carburetor, not the base.

[flatjack9]

Tubman is correct. You need an 8BA carburetor

[Ol' Ron]

I KEEP FORGETING SIMPLE THINGS LIKE REMOVING THE VACUME LINE. i THINK IT'S TIME FOR ME TOBOW OUT, AND LET THEREST OF YOUSE GUYS PASSON THE HELP TO THE BEGINNERS. NUFF SAID !!!
GRAMPS

[19Fordy]

No, no Ron. No bowing out for you.
Your input, experience and knowledge are always valuable and appreciated.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by waynet

Connection is at the base of the Holley 94 carby.

Believe it should be connected to this port on carb.

[Ford Freak]

51 Merc is correct. That is where mine is, & works just fine.

[3twinridges]

Plugging the vacuum line when setting the timing is interesting. Which side do you plug, the distributor end or the carb end. Why does it need to be plugged if it’s disconnected from the distributor and not impacting the point plate advance?

JB

[flatjack9]

Plug it at the carb otherwise you have an air leak in to the engine.

[waynet]

Originally Posted by 3twinridges

Plugging the vacuum line when setting the timing is interesting. Which side do you plug, the distributor end or the carb end. Why does it need to be plugged if it’s disconnected from the distributor and not impacting the point plate advance?

JB

I have wondered the same thing. I left the vacuum line unplugged and the engine still idled ok. I also left the distributor hole unplugged which obviously appears to assist with accurate ignition timing.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by waynet

I have wondered the same thing. I left the vacuum line unplugged and the engine still idled ok. I also left the distributor hole unplugged which obviously appears to assist with accurate ignition timing.

The line is removed from the distributor to prevent it from seeing any vacuum signal.
If the idle speed is to spec. after disconnecting vac. from distributor then it does not have to be plugged.

[Frank Miller]

My experience is that there s little to no change at idle whether vacuum is connected or not.

[rotorwrench]

There isn't much going on a idle but there is some low pressure that will act on the spark control diaphragm. All they have is a little dimple on the crank pulley to set on the pointer on the timing cover.