I don't see why that wouldn't work, but it does seem a little more "rough
and ready" than strictly necessary. For example, if you precisely
controlled the fuel octane, rather than just working from this random mix
(of old fuel and "regular" grade), you might be able to acheive
repeatable results. But if you had to replace the distributor while on
the road, let's say, and didn't have timing equipment, it would do. But
it really isn't that different from filling up with premium to start
with, advancing until it pings, and then backing off a few degrees, at
least as far as I can see.
Charles Sorkin had this to say:
>A mechanic friend recently suggested the following method for setting timing
>on an older engine such as the A-series:
>
>1. Let the gas tank get near empty, then add a gallon or so of an economy
>grade fuel.
>2. Set the timing as far advanced as it will go until it starts pinging
>while under load.
>3. Then fill the tank up with premium fuel.
>
>He claims that with a high octane fuel, it won't ping as early, and thus
>should provide peppy performance.
>
>I regarded this with skepticism, of course, but this fellow has been a
>mechanic for many years, and has set up more than a few racing engines. Is
>this a reasonable method? Or will I still be "detonating" the mixture?
>
>Regards,
>
>Charles
>'74 Midget
>'68 Sprite
>Bloomfield, NJ
>cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com
>"How about we duck inside for a Hen?"
>
>
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the red one with the silver bootlid.
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