hey guys..i recently had a buddy replace the plastic gear on the bottom of my distributor, once installed he adjusted the dist while the car was idle to his liking, but its like 100degrees around here lately and im getting loud valve taps now..overheating to about 3/4 on the guage and i smell it running kinda rich..also it starts right up but i hear a knock out of the motor first..alright im rambling on but im wondering what u guys think and also wondering what direction is advance n retard on the distributor. all input will be greatly appreciated. and to quickly note i didnt have over heating probs or valve taps by the gear crack. oh yeah it also stalls now when i stop at lights with the a/c on. thanks

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2003 Ford Escape
1993 Mustang Cobra *stock*
1991 Honda Civic boosted ls/vtec *toy*
1982 Dodge Diplomat *daily driver*

IIRC - To Advance timing rotate distributor counterclock wise. To retard turn distributor clockwise.

bwhitejr

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'72 Duster (Performance 360)
'83 Ramcharger (Performance 318)
'80 TrailDuster (360)
'80 D-150 Truck (See Below)
CompCams 252S, Holley 390cfm, Offy manifold
Ported, Polished and Gasket Matched
P4286813 Springs,0.040 Overbore,
0.090 Shaved Head

Not sure what you're asking; looking at it from top, turning the body of the distributor clockwise retards it, counter-clockwise advances it. If you're getting detonation (quite possibly what you're describing as "valve taps") that's usually a sign of too much advance. Too much advance can also cause the engine to overheat.

The only way to /properly/ set timing is with a timing light. If you're going to mess with cars at all, do yourself a favor and pick one up. Also remember to unhook and plug the vacuum advance.

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Used to own:
'82 Dodge D150
Erson 270 Cam, O/S valves, mild port work, ~9.5:1 compression

Currently fighting with an '85 VW Cabriolet

My other passion

If you can afford a little more, get one that's adjustable (a dial on the back). Some even have a built in digital tachometer. This will help with adjusting total timing which includes initial advance, centrifugal advance, and vacuum advance. Seems like 32 degrees total works good for a stock /6 all in by 2500-3000 rpm. My '63 has no vacuum advance at idle, just part throttle.

hey guys thanks for the replies, i do got myself a nice craftsman timing light..but truthfully i dont mess with timing that much cause its something im not so sure of so i dont muck with it, but i will give these positions to my nieghbor and he can help me do it. just hoping when the distributor was put back in that it wasnt off by a tooth but yea thanks for the replies i do appreciate it!!

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2003 Ford Escape
1993 Mustang Cobra *stock*
1991 Honda Civic boosted ls/vtec *toy*
1982 Dodge Diplomat *daily driver*

Learn how to set the timing on your car, it is important to know, proper initial timing is the 'first step' to a good running engine.
Getting the distributor advance curve set to match your engine and driving is the next step to more power, better gas mileage and long engine life.
Use the search function on the message board and do some reading... keep asking questions, setting the timing is not that hard to do.
DD

Muck with it. Your neighbor might move. Knowledge is power. It's free here, use it. Get into it. Get dirty. Feel the agony of defeat and the thrill of victory. It's a lesson in the roller coaster of life and great therapy, IMHO.

well thats exactly what i did what i did was have it reach normal opt temp and then i engaged the emergency brake with it in drive..and right b4 it almost stalled i retarded the timing..which made it run real smooth..now i dont exactly got the timing just right but the car runs better then it ever has..b4 the plastic gear broke it was missing real bad..now i got a smooth idle, but i am still seeing above average temps and im guessing its b/c i dont have a fan shroudt nemore..so im gonna make way to the junkyard and pick one up. but i am grateful of the replies!!
thanks uh bunch and have a great weekend
Dustin

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2003 Ford Escape
1993 Mustang Cobra *stock*
1991 Honda Civic boosted ls/vtec *toy*
1982 Dodge Diplomat *daily driver*