Tune Up help needed

[Nick1966]

Ok, after poking around the forums for a while I have noticed that I am the lowest man on the totem pole. So, once again I ask for your help to make me understand a few things about the tune up.

1966 Ford Mustang, 200ci, I6, Automatic Trans, Stock

Bubba gave me this information:
1. Gap your Spark Plugs (to .034) and install,
- I got this, put the spark plug gap gauge in the plug and bend it closed over the .34

2. set the Dwell on points (to 39 degrees),
- I understand what Dwell is but how is this set? At what points do I put my meter to get a measurement of Dwell? Is it the same points as getting the RPM over the Cap but with the meter set to dwell?

3. then set your timing (to 12 degrees BTDC)
- My dad had a timing gun he gave me but it has no instructions. Any information on this subject would be really helpful because I know nothing about this.

4. Next set your carb mixture to the lean best idle and last set the idle RPM (500 in Drive with brake set).
- Bring the engine to just about choking out and keep moving the screw back out until the engine levels out.
- I get the RPM thing now using the meter and adjusting the fast idle screw

Thanks for the help!
Also, since my other car has been totaled and I lost my job this is my daily driver and I can't really afford to bring it to a mechanic to do anything so I have to figure it all out myself.

 

[Nick1966]

I found this:

http://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-Timing

Helps a bit

 

[bubba22349]

Ok, after poking around the forums for a while I have noticed that I am the lowest man on the totem pole. So, once again I ask for your help to make me understand a few things about the tune up.

1966 Ford Mustang, 200ci, I6, Automatic Trans, Stock

Bubba gave me this information:
1. Gap your Spark Plugs (to .034) and install,
- I got this, put the spark plug gap gauge in the plug and bend it closed over the .34

2. set the Dwell on points (to 39 degrees),
- I understand what Dwell is but how is this set? At what points do I put my meter to get a measurement of Dwell? Is it the same points as getting the RPM over the Cap but with the meter set to dwell?

3. then set your timing (to 12 degrees BTDC)
- My dad had a timing gun he gave me but it has no instructions. Any information on this subject would be really helpful because I know nothing about this.

4. Next set your carb mixture to the lean best idle and last set the idle RPM (500 in Drive with brake set).
- Bring the engine to just about choking out and keep moving the screw back out until the engine levels out.
- I get the RPM thing now using the meter and adjusting the fast idle screw

Thanks for the help!
Also, since my other car has been totaled and I lost my job this is my daily driver and I can't really afford to bring it to a mechanic to do anything so I have to figure it all out myself.

1.

2. Yes, To the best of my knowledge every Tach & Dwell unit will work in about that same way, so if it's hooked up to read RPM correctly for a 6 cylinder then you should only need to turn a switch so it then reads the dwell. To set your dwell you will either need to open or close the point gap (this depends on if your dwell is reading too much or not enough) adjust and test again until you get the correct dwell reading.

3. To set the timing you will need to find the timing mark or line on your crankshaft Damper use some chock or you can also use some white paint on the line (white out correction fuild works too) this is so you see the Marks better. Next look for the 12 Degree Mark on the front of the timing cover or the timing Tab with its marks. With the timing light hooked up correctly to the # 1 spark plug wire, the vacuum advance line is unhooked and plugged, now start the engine and check your timing setting if it's not right you will need to loosen the distributor hold down bolt (just enough so you can turn it) move it slightly clockwise or counterclockwise until the timing is set correctly to 12 degrees BTDC and snug down the hold down bolt.

4. With the engine warmed up good (to operating temp) adjust the idle screw to the highest RPM then turn the screw in about 1/4 to 1/2 turn to lean it a little (look for about a 50 RPM drop). Next set your emergency brake or have someone step on and hold the brakes, now put the trans in D and set the idle RPM and last put the trans back into park congrats your now done with all the tuneup settings!

 

[Nick1966]

thank you for the expanded explanation! Wish me luck...

 

[bubba22349]

Best of luck and with a little practice you will get better and quicker at getting a good tune!

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Back Nick and All:

It sounds like you're off to a good start. I wanted to add a couple of suggestions that i hope are helpful.

Gap the plugs at .035". Take note of their condition/color and the cylinder they came out of.

Set the point gap at .025" with a feeler gauge. That will get the dwell close to the 39 degree goal. The only way to change the dwell angle is to stop the engine and alter the point gap. Less than .025" gets you more dwell and vice versa. setting the point gap with a feeler gauge is a practiced art. take your time.

It is a good idea to check the initial advance to begin with so you know what changes took place. Be sure to disconnect the vacuum line from the carb to the distributor before adjusting the initial advance. Loosen the distributor hold down bolt only enough to be able to turn the distributor. Counter clock wise to increase advance. Retighten the hold down bolt and recheck the setting. When you are satisfied be sure to reconnect the vacuum line between the carb and distributor.

Once all is tight, watch the timing mark on the damper as you rev the engine. It should move. If it doesn't the vacuum advance needs to be looked at. If it move and returns to the starting point as rpms go down all is well.

On the carb you are adjusting the low speed (idle) air screw on the carb. It adjusts the amount of fuel that is allowed into the air. Screwed in leans the mix, out richens. The three components work together- initial advance setting, idle setting and the low speed idle screw. If you advance the initial advance the engine rpm will likely go up. As you lean the air screw rpms begin to go down. So.... once you've set the points to your satisfaction, turn the idle screw out to reduce the idle to about 600 rpms as a starting point. Now follow bubba's direction on turning the air screw in until the rpms decrease, then back it out to achieve highest rpms or highest vacuum, if you have a vacuum gauge. When you do this rpms will likely go up. Again, reduce the idle to about 600 rpms. I think you'll find that the tach function of the dwell meter is far more useful then the dwell side.

Now is the time to set the idle speed with the trans in gear. IF you are getting a nice smooth idle and your fast idle linkage with the choke is working well, less idle rpm is better. If the engine kills on a cold morning add a little more idle speed.

Finally, I strongly suggest that you add a can of fuel system cleaner to the gas tank and spray down the inside and outside of the carb with an aerosol carb cleaner.

And most important of all is to report back on your progress. Don't hesitate with questions.

Good luck.
Adios, David