[Elsie72]

I think you're seeing the flash/reflection off of the water pump. The P/S pump is not on in that picture, either. That's a good tip about the gloves for taking pictures.

Well, I've finally fired it up, after messing about with various last minute items, and fixing a fuel leak. I'm having trouble with the timing now. Had to turn the idle up quite a bit to get it to run at 800rpm with the vacuum advance off, then when I plug in the vacuum advance, it runs at 1200rpm. Is this normal? I suppose it might be. I'm off to re-check the FAQ's.

I'm not too concerned about the idle speed, but what really bothers me is that it will run smooth for 20-30 seconds at about 1400rpm, then it starts knocking (detonating?) and starts to die until I goose the throttle a bit, then it quits knocking and smooths out again. When it starts knocking, the timing retards by nearly 10 degrees, and it returns when it smooths out.

I'm calling it a night until I can get some answers to this one. I really don't want to hurt this thing. Looks like I'm hitching a ride from the wife for another day.