1960 T-Bird engine
#3
RE: 1960 T-Bird engine
Thank you, sir. I appreciate the info. My stepson may purchase this "square bird" this week with plans to clean it up for resale. I have no clue as to what one might be worth in fair shape. The chrome on it (bunches as you know) have been painted black, but he does not see rust under the paint. I suppose we will strip the paint to see if it is in any shape to leave unpainted.
#4
vac advance.
Thanks again. I have had triuble finding just the basic info about the engine. Tune up specs would be nice if you have a suggestion as to where to find such info.
I see that it has a vacuum advance pot in the distributoer. Points, rotor, condensor, cao appear new. The vac pot is not new. Since the thing seems to "bog' on take off, could it be a problem with the vac pot? Since acelerating reduces vacuum, maybe the iginition is too retarded? I guess the old "twist the distributor until something good happens" is the next step. I also favor using an old chevvy small block trick which is to ignore the initial timing specs, set the initial timing with the vac pot plugged at 8-10*, then reattach the vac pot and lower the idle mechanically to a reasonable rpm.
I see that it has a vacuum advance pot in the distributoer. Points, rotor, condensor, cao appear new. The vac pot is not new. Since the thing seems to "bog' on take off, could it be a problem with the vac pot? Since acelerating reduces vacuum, maybe the iginition is too retarded? I guess the old "twist the distributor until something good happens" is the next step. I also favor using an old chevvy small block trick which is to ignore the initial timing specs, set the initial timing with the vac pot plugged at 8-10*, then reattach the vac pot and lower the idle mechanically to a reasonable rpm.
#7
RE: vac advance.
Goinstrong:
Thanks for the suggestions. Even after all these months. Actually, replacing the vac pot and/or distributor without knowing what the timing is to be set at seems to be a not very good idea. Especiallly if there is nothing wrong with either. It might be best to start with setting the points, checking the timing against specs and going from there. With a timing light, you can always set it back to where it started if it all goes south.
Thanks for the suggestions. Even after all these months. Actually, replacing the vac pot and/or distributor without knowing what the timing is to be set at seems to be a not very good idea. Especiallly if there is nothing wrong with either. It might be best to start with setting the points, checking the timing against specs and going from there. With a timing light, you can always set it back to where it started if it all goes south.
#8
RE: vac advance.
Sorry. I thought you had a timing light to know the vacuum advance wasn't operating correctly. Timing might be around 15 degrees BTC (Off the top of my head). I'm not positive though. Check timing with light (at idle (around 800-1000) and with advance plugged) then reconnect advance and rev engine. TIming should advance. If it doesn't the advance is shot. You can replace it - or (in some places where those parts are less available) you can buy the distributorwith it already attached sometimes (they love to make the extra buck). If you replace the distributor you have to know what you're doing to pre-set the timing. Crank it to just before number 1 - firing (just before TDC) before removal and mark where your rotor is firing number 1. Then you'll be set up if you know what to do. A timing light is necessary no matter what - and the older type timing light works better.
#9
RE: vac advance.
Not to intrude - but if you're in PA I'd be more than happy to help out. I can visually ID your engine and check parts like the vacuum advance. I only have a newer timing light but I can make it work the same most times.