Vacuum advance or mechanical advance

yes, that is an indicator your timing is retarded, but you really need to go buy the right tools in investigate things like your timing and vacuum. $30 total in tools from harbor freight.

when it gets hot can also be a sign your cooling system isn't up to snuff
 
It heats way too fast for it to be cooling system

Everything is new anyway, every part. It only heats when you flog it hard, then it jumps so fast it has to be heat range related in the head. It gains 30 to 40 degrees in 10 seconds. I suspect the gauge is off too, but I have to get time to get it out and replace it. Its a brand new autometer mechanical, but it jumps around some.

I been looking for one of those point and shoot heat guns to take surface temp with, but haven`t found one yet.

Is it possible with the MSD 6 AL ign box that I may need to run a cooler plug being as it gets more "fire" at the tip?
 
Sorry to drag up this old thread, but was wonderring if you were able to get your timing issue resolved? I have a similar situation where the car runs a little doggie while just normal driving, but when I put my foot in it it hits a point in the RPM range where it unleashes the beast. When I say doggie, I mean some hesitation and feels like some possible mis-firing going on. I have thought this is timing related, just looking for some confirmation from someone with similar symptoms. I am running about 15 degrees base and 35 degrees total, all in by 3000 rpm. I am thinking my mechanincal advance settings need to be changed to optimize it.
 
No its not resolved

I`m at 12 degrees base and 33 total. Running one heavy spring and 1 light one )putting the light one on helped alot). But it still kinda hesitates when I`m riding around. I`m not entirely convinced mine is tuned right yet, its only got 6 or 7 hours on it.

If I could do it over I`d go vacuum advance, even if I had to run a can to do it.

Although.....like you said about 3000 rpm`s ya better hold on to something cause all heck breaks lose. Mine is kinda scary, its like the powerband on a 2 stroke motor cycle, it just dogs to a point and then BOOM it goes.

Mess around with your base first, 15 sounds kinda high, should be 12 to 14 I think. Then mess with the springs, and its liek it came from factor, its got the 2 heaviest, change one to the lightest and drive it, see if it helps..

Oh, 1 more thing, since I put this post up I did a gear change to 355 positrack, and it made it even more crazy to drive.
 
Thanks for the response. I am using a Crane electronig distributor, so no springs to swap, just turn a dial for vacuum or mechanical advance. I will go back and check the charts to see which setting may be better. Will also check my base timing. There has got to be a combination of settings that work perfectly, I just haven't found them yet.
 
Sorry to drag up this old thread, but was wonderring if you were able to get your timing issue resolved? I have a similar situation where the car runs a little doggie while just normal driving, but when I put my foot in it it hits a point in the RPM range where it unleashes the beast. When I say doggie, I mean some hesitation and feels like some possible mis-firing going on. I have thought this is timing related, just looking for some confirmation from someone with similar symptoms. I am running about 15 degrees base and 35 degrees total, all in by 3000 rpm. I am thinking my mechanincal advance settings need to be changed to optimize it.


You could be putting too much fuel or too little also. If its stumbling like that and mis-firing I'd lean towards your accelerator pump cams or adjustments being wrong.