[6pack] Tune up help

[James_]

Thanks.
So I set the timing last night and retarded it down to around 8 it was higher (12?). I think it is BTDC, but I forget which is which. Hah. That's a problem, huh? 
I was trying out the timing last night and it was probably set fine. 
So do I disconnect and plug the vacuum tube or not? 
I guess I'll try to plug it and set to 12 BTDC. I think it may have been close to that and then with vacuum connected again would retard to around 4 degrees. Hmm. 

Carbs were rebuilt (by me) and fresh 
Diaphragms. 

Anyone use a device to measure points, dwell, etc? I bought one but that may be specific to American cars. 
I guess I could have the dizzy rebuilt. I dread placing it back in. I recall that being a pain in the past. What is the opinion of the petronix (?) thingy? I am guessing that replaces the points? 
Thanks so much!

bSent from my Atari 2600b

> On Sep 8, 2014, at 11:19 PM, "Sally or Dick Taylor" <taylorturbo6 at yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> When you write that you set your timing at "8 degrees" I can't tell if you mean before or after TDC. I believe the manual suggests that the ignition timing be set at 4 deg. ATDC, when the vacuum retard line is connected. If you set yours at 8 deg. ATDC, then your timing is retarded too far. It should run that way of course, but the timing will be retarded even when the retard feature "goes away" like when you open the throttle. I suggest doing what many do here, and that is to plug the vacuum line that goes to the distributor, then set the timing at 12 deg. BTDC, as in Before top dead center. You'll want the engine idle speed to be as close to 800rpm as you can get it using the carb idle screws, as any engine speed more than this will start bringing in the mechanical advance that can change the result. Reconnect the vacuum retard line, if you wish. The result of reconnecting the vacuum retard will slow the engine idle speed down some. If it is then idling too slow, speed it up by using the carb idle screws. 
> 
> Watch the timing marks on your front pulley to be sure they go higher as the engine revs go up. If the highest mark is 24 on your pulley, speeding up your engine past 2500 rpms should take it beyond this mark. 
> 
> There is nothing inherently wrong with the 1976 TR6. More original emission controls, but it's still possible for your engine to run well. 
> 
> Dick 
> 
> 
> On Monday, September 8, 2014 9:15 PM, James_ <jattr6 at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Ok. I've never mastered the tune up on my 76 tr6. Timing and carbs always seem off. 
> Anyone in the Portland, OR area an expert and willing to teach me?
> Or maybe someone has an A to Z instruction. 
> So far I put in new spark plugs, new distributor parts, set the points, adjusted the valves. Now I am at the timing and then on to the carbs. 
> I am at 8 degrees not 4 as manual states. (I was higher) but engine goes up and back down when I plug in the vacuum. Surges? 
> 
> Ugh! Makes me want a classic American car. (Shhh...) 
> 
> I. The past whenever I use the synchro carb bubble tool thingy...never seem to balance the carbs and get good running. Is that tool any use? 
> Heck, when I do get things balanced somewhat; it never seems to run great for long. Constant headache. 
> Is it just me or others share the same headache?
> 
> Thanks for any help. 
> 
> James