Timing: Power & Rattle v. No-power & no rattle

[Austin C10]

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

Holy real estate batman! Most people are moving out of CA!

Ain't that the truth. Welcome to a lifetime of permanent renting.

Update: played with the timing and tried things out b/w 8-14 degrees above TDC. I was never really sure about the marks on the balancer, but I would test drive between adjustments and never reached the ideal balance between pinging and power.

Check the plugs and they were fouled and gapped down. Checked the compression and the first 2 holes were at 25lbs! That would explain the grey smoke I've been belching. Valves, maybe rings. Looking at a new motor or a rebuild. I'll post some questions about that next.

[1restorick]

Sir, I would consider buying an adjustable vacuum advance. When you replaced the advance unit did you match up the advance rating number? It is stamped on the flat section where it attaches to the distributor. The stock replacement units range from 8 to 28 degrees of total advance depending upon the application. The length of the slot determines the "stroke" of the
arm.The adjustable units are inexpensive and allow you to tailor the vacuum advance to the vehicle.

Sincerely,
Rick

[Big White GMC]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

You tried running a higher octain of fuel? That's all the hi test is for, to prevent spark knock.
I hear ppl whine and b!tch about spending the extra money on hi-test... but there's 2 things to look at.
1. Hi test will ALWAYS be cheaper than new pistons.
2. at the typical 10 cents more per grade, and your trucks's 20 gallon tank, the most you'll spend extra is $4. Seems trivial to me.

The pre-ignition you are hearing WILL end up damaging your engine... if it hasn't already.
You must get rid of the spark knock.

There's One More Point To Make Concerning Hi-Test : WE DON'T HAVE TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON OUR TRUCKS !!!!!!!!!!!