Setting Engine Timing Using Vacuum

[biloxiriver]

I seem to remember someone discussing setting their engine timing using a vacuum gage. Anyone out there familiar with this and what the process would be? I have an inboard 302, shaft drive.

 

[cobaltlover]

Re: Setting Engine Timing Using Vacuum

new one on me.i always unplug the adv. set the timeing then plug it back up

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Setting Engine Timing Using Vacuum

Biloxiriver, I have also heard of this procedure but I think it is not very accurate although I would be interested in others opinions.<br /><br />BTW, a marine 302 shouldn't have a vaccum advance distrubutor.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Rainmaker]

Re: Setting Engine Timing Using Vacuum

There was a thread on this topic in early May. Search by "vacuum" and you'll find it.

 

[llerrad]

Re: Setting Engine Timing Using Vacuum

Like said above marine does not have vacum advance. Use timing light, 302 ford 10 deg. BTDC. Check dwel first 28-32 deg. (if you still have points)<br />I've heard of vacum gauge to set carb. but not timing.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Setting Engine Timing Using Vacuum

I had started a thread on this subject not too long ago.<br /><br />I would not recommend setting ignition timing using a vacum gauge. The reason I was trying to do it was because I could not read the timing marks on my engine. With some help (from bondo) I was able to determine the timing marks on my engine and set the timing with a light. It was way to far advanced using the vacum gauge, the vacum gauge should be used to tweak the carb mixture at idle.

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Setting Engine Timing Using Vacuum

Thanks for the input guys. I have the same problem as FreeBeetony, can't read the timing marks; too much salt time I guess.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Setting Engine Timing Using Vacuum

Put a "piston stop tool" in the spark plug on cylinder # 1 and turn the engine by hand one way, mark the balancer, and then turn the engine by hand the other way and mark the balancer again.<br /><br />Now mark the balancer halfway between the two marks and now you have TDC marked on the balancer.<br /><br />Ken

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Setting Engine Timing Using Vacuum

Hi All, here is an interesting site on uses of the vacuum gauge in engine diagnostics, bookmark it for later use. Just add the http:// <br /><br />(users.bigpond.net.au/ergoff/vac1.htm) Happy Boating