Stupid Distributor Questions

George,

Two things...

1. If you set your timing and the rotor points past the terminal, rotating the distributor will only change the timing. You could probably retard it until the problem goes away, but you'll feel a drop in torque. My guess is that if the rotor points past #1 terminal when static timing you'll have an issue because at high RPM mechanical advance will have the rotor close enough to the following cylinders contact (#8 in this case) that you may have crossfire. To static time you need a test lamp... set crankshaft to the point where you want the spark to occur... connect a test lamp between the coil and distributor primary wire... turn ignition switch on... retard distributor until light comes on... advance until light just goes out... tighten clamp. If your rotor is well past the contact in the cap after doing this, you may have a problem.

2. What's your manifold vacuum like? If it is steady, press on. If it pulsates rhythmically, you have a leaking intake valve. The classic cause of popping through the carb. If this is the case, you can quit messing with the carb.