I think I have a timing issue with the straight 8 in my Packard. At higher RPMs, like it the 2500-3000 range, it seems to flutter out and doesnt make any power. I was told that my timing is off. I set it to 0 degrees for now and its a little better, but not much. Should I advance it more or something? I've heard that I should set it so it starts to idle rough, then back it off a bit, and I should hear a hint of pinging when under heavy load.... is this correct at all?
I advanced the timing and it got a little better on the road, but now it idles really high... It does have vacuum advance, and as far as I can tell it works. Being that its original tho its entirely possible it doesnt. When I have a timing light on it, the timing advances when I get on the throttle... is this a sign that it works?
Remove the little tube from the side of the distributor, attach a length of tube (which will reach you) to the same spot . Remove the distributor cap, and **** the tube. If the plate holding your points moves , it works. Now try holding that "****" vac***m with your tongue, if the plate remains in the advanced position, all is good.
A weak spring on your points will do that also. The points float at higher RPM's if the spring isn't strong enough to make them follow the distributor cam.
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