NEED HELP...Nailhead timing q's..

I'm trying to time the 425 in my Merc (pertronix ignition and AC delco plugs). First, when I hook the timing light to #1 it dosen't flash steady. It's a new sears inductive light. Second, when I do get it to flash the timing mark jumps around. Third, when I try to retard the timing to where I need it to be, it stumbles really bad. Am I correct to assume that I am off by a tooth on the timing gear? The mark says I'm at about 12-14 BTDC, my book says 2 BTDC. What am I doing wrong? Also, any tips for tuning one of these things?

 

Never mind!

 

Let me guess you didn't have the light hooked 2 number #1

 

In the word of the immortal Klink "I know noseeing!!!" I fyou have a nailhead what "'s of vaccume do you pull?

 

You don't want to go by my car it has real low vacume numbers like 8 lbs at idle.

 

Nailhead pull like 14-20lbs idle, I believe. My stock 401 can suck a small super bouncy ball thru a straw at idle, it's pretty damn strong.



BTW, it was Schultz, not the Colonel.

 

I can't even run my vacuum wipers Oh yea that timing thing done it!

 

So I'm not good a Hogans Hero's trivia. Where does buick pull vac from for the brake booster?

 

I'm not sure, do you have the manual for the carb? If so, see if it says to use that port for power brakes. I have a manual I can check for you. I almost think the vacuum comes of the intake not sure though.

 

I'm not sure about Buick but most GM cars take the power brake vacuum off the intake manifold.


Frank

 

I got 17"-18" at the manifold and I hooked the booster line up there. I'll drive it in the morning to find out what it feels like. I still think theres something up with the M/C.

 

If you went from 10 to 17 or 18 it should make a big diffrence thats almost double. Come on go try it now.

 

I bought a new Buick Wildcat 2Dr Hdtp in 1964. The brake vacuum came from under the 4Bbl carb...a "T" was there and brakes and something else was hooked to it.
Periodically, there would be no brake boost and my wife could hardly stop it with both feet on the pedal...other times there would be partial boost.
The dealer was on the way to work, and one morning there was no boost, so I pulled in and left it running until the service dept opened. I had been in several times before, and they could find no problem. This time they confirmed that there was no vacuum at the fitting.
They removed the "T," and found a small disk in it that acted like a flapper valve.The "T" apparently was made by punching through in 2 directions, and the waste disk had not been removed. They claimed that as a "first" in their experience. But, I now always examine fittings to ensure they are open in all directions!