re: trouble in paradise

[FiestaCranberry@webtv.net (Fiesta Cranberry)]

>When you just widen the point gap, the 
>spark starts sooner (timing advances) and 
>lasts longer.  If you just narrow the point 
>gap, the spark hits later (timing retards) 
>and has a shorter duration.  

Can you explain what the practical result of this is?  IOW, when the
timing advances/retards, what is the effect on the performance?  

You have to excuse me, but I'm pretty ignorant.  I really don't
understand too much how a car actually works.  I'm like an alien trying
to operate on a human being just by reading the manual, without really
understanding how a human "worse" :^)

Altho I am learning, albeit slowly.

>I find that my 3's have been very sensitive 
>to correct timing.  Well, they seem to only 
>be right-on with full, smooth power when 
>timing/gap/advance is all working just so. 
That is certainly the case with the B.  I have had her tuned and then
she goes out a week later.  It never lasts long.  One long trip or a big
hill on a hot day throws her right out.  It's frustrating.

>The four "lobes" on the distributor shaft 
>that push the points open as the shaft 
>rotates. 

Oh, OK.  How do I know if these are dry or need grease, like Jim said?

I'm gonna go down today and try again.  I'll check the shaft for play,
too---see how much there is.

Lori




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