Quote Originally Posted by shawnlee28
Ok here it is ....I have about 12 intial on the engine at idle with the vac cannister disconnected....I bring the engine up to 3000 rpm with the can still disconnected I get 22 degrees
Sounds to me like you have the idle of the engine too high. This will cause the mechanical weights to be in an advanced position at idle. Setting the initial timing this way will cause the maximum mechanical advance to be at a figure less than what the distributor has "built in". Most GM distributors have a built in mechanical advance of 20 degrees. Since you are only getting 22 degrees Total mechanical advance at 3000 RPM, then your actual initial would fall to 2 degrees BTDC at an idle of 600-750 RPM. This would cause your engine to run hotter than "normal" and you would more than likely see your exhaust near the manifolds get cherry red at idle.

Changing the springs and/or the weights will NOT change the amount of available mechanical advance. It will only effect how quickly the advance weights begin to move under centrifugal force. The usual reason to change the springs and/or the weights is to achieve the full mechanical advance around 2500-3000 RPM.

Try setting your Total Mechanical Timing (vacuum hose disconnected and plugged) to 32-38 degrees at 2500 RPM. If the timing increases when going above the 2500 RPM, change the springs to weaker ones so that the timing will max out around the 2500 RPM range. Lower your idle RPM to 600-750. Check the initial timing. It should be in the 12-18 degree range depending on what you set the Total at. If it isn't, then the mechanical weights are not closing completely. Check for rust or burrs on the mechanical linkage.