Buying '78 Lil Red Express Truck

Same here on all makes and models I have worked on. The process Ron was referring to I believe has you map the timing curve. Can't remember if it was both vacuum and centrifugal mapping, then the part I don't remember too well...if it was adjusting the carb at power RPM for max vacuum. It was a bit more of a chore than just setting initial timing. There was a whole new "science" in timing tweaking shared in the early/mid70's.

 

You would only remove and plug the vacuum line to set the base timing. Once set the vacuum king was in plugged and reinstalled. With the vacuum line installed there is no way to know if you are in fact at full retard for setting base timing. Engine speed fluctuations and vac fluctuations all mess up things.

 

Fun info:
(Oh how information presentation has evolved over the years!)

 

I'm still struggling with the Mallory shirt in an MSD video...I'd be in big trouble.

Can't help much w/the timing question...our LA 318 w/Edelbrock performer cam, dual-plane and 650 proved best around 10 to start and 36 total on an engine dyno, and we didn't change it once installed.

 

Yeah. I know what you mean.
Here is a link to help us out...No longer competing among one another...All "in the competition family" now.

https://www.holley.com/brands/

 

First working on road vehicle ( or street type } plug vacuum line is standard, since I have fuel injection one less headache must watch the timing some are very touchy 8 to 10 degrees for start, just have to listen to how engine sounds at idle, then advance throttle listen, and Ron take your time. My Cobalt with 502 Mercury is easy I check once each year, this is lake boat NO salt water. I have another boat for Scuba diving in Pacific Ocean has a Cummins 855 engine.

 

Gosh Homer, I missed this. I should have cleaned it... there was some sediment hardened on the bottom that finally started breaking loose and clogging the fuel filter. DooooH!

 

Ron, I just complete fuel filter change out on the 855 Cummins, in my salt water boat, I learn many years ago must have filters , each tank has filter, since I have two tanks they both have a filter! Then they go to control plumbing manifold one leads to 855 Cummins engine which has another fuel filter before going to injector press pump. The other feeds the fuel filter at Cummins generator, so fuel dam sure clean going to either one, pour two gallons of JP 8 in each tank, that cleans everything well.

 

Got to git'r done quick... got a knee replacement coming on 31 Oct. Live and learn, forget, live and learn again.

 

Ron, Yes knee replacement I had both done at the same time I fell this was the best way to do this so I would not favor one side or the other. I think this started military from there stupid downward injection seats 5 times went out that way, seem like every-time flew that plane had to eject. Ron best of luck do you want Homer come and help you out.

 

@Wiredawg, Isn't that the way we always do things! We know that we should address what we're seeing, but we tell ourselves that it'll be fine and the filters will get it. Then after several filter changes and still having issues, we bite the bullet and pull back apart to fix our short cut!
Hope you can get as much as you can before you "down" time. Pulling for a quick recovery and turn around for you! As @HPSimpson stated, don't favor the one side, makes for longer healing or other knee needing replacement if not already needing it!

 

What are the specs for an alignment? Buddy with a 1979 Lil Red Express, well, he is being told the newer machines data look ups don't go back to 1979 and, of course, this is a clue it's the wrong shop to go too as well. Regardless if a shop can't be found let's see what a modern machine says with the correct data.

 

I'm not at home right now. I have the 1978 and 1979 factory service manuals that likely has that info icon look up when

 

Always welcome Homer... never turn down good help.

 

Ron, Have you started the gas tank cleaning, need done soon? Remember have to be done soon.

 

No, darn home giving me a fit... had plumbing issues, first a drain under the house, then a fresh water line. Maybe Friday, if no more distractions. Knee replacement is Tuesday.

 

Never fails that everything drops right before you need to take care of yourself! Wish I was closer to you to give you a hand where I could! House first and if time the tank. Focus on getting the body back to a comfortable place to allow you to keep moving! Hoping for a speedy recovery for you!

 

Thanks! Wife AND house first, might get to work on LRE today. Cheers, Ron

 

Ron, Relax when you not to stretch then work on the tank you several vehicles to drive, your health is way more important than the tank.

 

I figured it out today... did some light stuff. Thanks for the sage advice.