I'm confused on timing my new rebuilt 312.  Trying to time it by the vacuum method along with a timing light. As I advance the distributor to increase vacuum reading it does run much better but the vacuum advance can hits the intake manifold when I reach 17" hg @20 degrees advance. I'm sure I could get a higher vacuum reading yet if I pull the distributor and rotate it a notch but I'm concerned about the initial advance climbing over 20 degrees. The engine does have an Isky E4 cam advanced 2 degrees, the Mr. Gasket lighter advance springs along with a rebuilt distributor modified per a post here to give 26 degrees centrifugal advance. Is it possible the springs are too light allowing extra advance @ idle or?    Dave v

SE Wis

Thanks for the replies. I was gone yesterday and did not work on the car. To answer your questions, I did have the vacuum line disconnected from the advance can and plugged at the carb, idle 550 RPM, degreed the cam when assembled & found TDC, checked the damper for accuracy and even put a scribe mark on it @ 38 degrees. Master Cylinder:  I really appreciated your article pertaining to the same problem. Is it still running ok?  I will be working on the engine again today and check the rate of advance on the lighter springs. I forgot to mention that I do have a Pertronix II in this distributor and the coil to match. I'll reply to all later.  Thanks again  Dave V

SE Wis

Moving the wires one notch is a quick and simple solution. Of course the "correct" way would be to move the distributor but either way will accomplish the same thing. Chuck


Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Dave, still running good, starts easy.



"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

I did get back to the engine today. I rotated the distributor 1 tooth so that the #1 on the cap is correct. Started to set timing again and found the light Mr. Gasket springs started advancing timing @ 900 RPMs and stopped advancing @ 1850 RPMs. I was getting a fluctuating needle on the vacuum gauge which I realized was coming from the 600 Holley leaking fuel thru @ idle. Installed a pressure gauge and found 8 psi fuel pressure coming from my FE fuel pump. Made a makeshift bleedoff in the fuel line to hold the pressure @ 6 psi and the engine ran very well. I will pick up a fuel pressure regulator and start over. I'll keep you posted.  Also, is there a way to remove the temp sending unit bushing in the cylinder head. The old sending unit for my 56 is 3/8" pipe but the bushing in the 57 G head is 1/4"?  Dave

SE Wis