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Following the (superb) discussions of bad timing and overheated engines, I have a testimonial to give. This weekend, in anticipation of a long vacation camping trip, I did a top-end overhaul of the very tired engine in my '71 Square...put on new pistons, cylinders, rings, clean up the heads, add electronic ignition, that kind of stuff. I finished stuffing the engine back in late at night and did a bleary-eyed quick tuneup with a promise to the Square to make it better tomorrow. The next morning I drove the usual ten miles into town...when I started the car ran like stink...when I got there, it was just stinking! Power dropping off and a lot of the smell that Toby so poetically described. When I got into town I parked it and opened the engine lid. The dip stick was too hot to hold in hand. And...that stink! Well, my timing was just a smidgeon off (probably about 100 degrees, judging from the heat and smell). The moral? (there always has to be one, doesn't there?): In less than 10 miles you can overheat an engine something fierce. Get that timing right!!!!!!!!! I have apologized to the Square and promised it an extra cup of high grade motor oil to make up for my offense. Volks, get that timing right!!!!! Remember, in less than 10 miles.... A much chastened... Phil dillard@suu.edu