Steves55":2m3w8v9k said:
Thank you very much. I see the intial timing is 5d BTDC so you are recommending 7 or 8. I will let you know how things go. Best, Steve.
You didn't state in your post what your working on but these are the Stock tune up specs for a 1955 223 car a truck maybe slightly different on base timing and usally a little higher curb idle RPM.
1. Valve lash is set to .019 Hot. This is at the normal operating temperature. Valve lash is quite important to a 223 engine performing or running good and its economy, over time these lash settings have a tendency to change. This is also why it's the first tune up setting I make on them.
2. Spark Plugs are gapped at .035
3. Point gap is set at .024 to .026 for the base generic setting you would want a end up with Dwell setting of 36 Degrees for best results.
4. Base timing is set to 3 degrees BTDC. So your currently already at 2 degrees more than stock, but yes you can try 7 or 8 degrees and see how it does.
5. With the engine warmed up and the choke fully open. Set idle mixture to lean best idle. This done by setting to the highest Idle RPM and then only turning the mixture screw in a 1/4 turn (leaner).
6. Last set the Curb idle to 475 RPM for manual trans, 450 RPM for auto trans in drive with parking brake set, this will usually be 50 to 100 RPM higher when trans is in Neutral or Park.
The order of the settings can make a differance to the final tune this is why the carb settings are last thing. Are you confident that your carb is in good condition and with the float level is set correctly? Good luck