trials of the 200 learning curve

[falcon60]

Yes,that sounds like a good setting to try.
Pinging sounds like sharp "clicks" or "rattles" when the throttle is pressed down under load. It can be random or continuous and can vary in intensity,but it is hard on parts and should not be ignored.
When you hook up your timing light next time,unhook the vac advance and see what max advance you get by 3000 rpm. Try adjusting for 32-34 degrees at 3000 rpm without the vac hooked up,then hook up the vac and drive it to see how it works.

Terry

 

[Bort62]

When Timing an engine with old and questionable ignition mech components (dist bushings, timing mark, etc) I prefer to advance until it starts to ping, and then back it off a little.

Pinging sounds different on different types of engines. On a SBC, it sounds like marbles in a coffee can. Impossible to miss.

On the six, it is a lot more subdued, but it will sound like an irregular clicking, tapping, or clicking under acceleration or load. If your engine isnt' pinging now, and it starts to as you advance the timing, and you listen for it - you will be able to recognize it.

 

[Anonymous]

with the additional base advance setting, my plugs look just barely whiteish. Does running more advance essentially lean out the system? My manifold is not running..... as hot. Perhaps with bigger carb jets the plugs will not look lean and I'll be in the free and clear?...
I will check my timing advance w/o vac after dinner... THANKYOU VERY MUCH FOR TALKING ME THROUGH THIS!

 

[Bort62]

You cannot really gauge too much from the plugs without putting a fresh set in each time you make a change.

However, advancing the timing in the range you are talking about will allow a more complete burn, which means less unburned fuel, so in a sense, it is similar to leaning it out.

 

[Anonymous]

Ok, the struggle continues. I rejetted the carb richer yet, and installed new, cooler plugs. The bottom line is the manifold still runs orange red (down into the exhaust pipe) when pulling up a sustained hill.
With the timing set at 14 deg btdc, it advances to 24 deg (+10 deg) with the vacuum disconnected. It advances to about 45 deg (+30 deg) with the vac connected. this is a 200 with DS II and the 32/36 carb.
The only thing, and I'm reaching here, to add to the discussion would be that when I first fired the fresh engine, it sounded like the lifters took awhile to adjust. (that was 4 months ago)
Also, I've tried the timing set at 6deg, 8 and 10 deg with the same results..
The new plugs I installed show the faintest white at the tip of the electrode.
Am I just being paraniod? This is after all a 200ci pushing a van up a steep grade....

 

[addo]

I'd have to wonder about cam timing and exhaust restriction, too.

 

[Anonymous]

a friend who is a retired mechanic is going to teach me how to do a camshaft timing check on Sat,,,, will return with results..... thanks everybody...

 

[Bort62]

How does it run, does it seem to be making reasonable power?

It's possible that its just normal given the high load for extended duration. I can't say i've ever hopped out to check mine in the middle of a long haul.

 

[Anonymous]

It runs beautifully, actually. The 32/36 made a big difference on my setup. I would say 10-15% more power. The idle isn't exactly..... purr-fect. A tiny bit on the shaky side, but not irregular or missing, just not quite smooth as silk..... I suppose if the 'old timer' says the cam timing is good, I'll have a mechanic test it for rich/lean mixture.... depending on how that checks out, perhaps I'll try another head to rule out the possibility of a crack between the intake and exhaust?thankyou...thankyou..... :roll:

 

[Anonymous]

welp, I've been through darn near everything everybody can think of, timing adavnce good, camshaft timing good, dizzy good, carb running rich, put all new exhaust in today. I'm at a loss, I'm wondering if there's a head crack between the intake and exhaust. When my crappy rebuilder looked at my head for the umpteenth time I removed it, they were surprised at the carbon on the valves (and pistons)???? I'll make another post on 'head cracks'....