Hey all, new to the mustang, 68 289 convert.

I put an electronic ignition in and now she won't idle. I followed the timing instructions on another post, but it's hard to time at 2000 rpm. Any ideas? Am I off a tooth on the distributer?

 

Don't know. Do a static timing procedure to see if you are timed correctly. Then start it after adjustment and see if you can get it to idle at about 800. Then hit it with a timing light.

 

Thanks! I did the static and got it to run, but it still won't idle (very rough). I adjusted the valves, could I have tightened them too much?

 

More and more come out. Your initial problem sounds like a vacuum leak. So, what else did you do - without telling us?
Jim

 

Yeah, Yeah. I started with the valves, due to a tick. While I was prying the cover off (lots of gasket maker from pre. owner), I bumped the distributer and it spun. Loose nut. Couldn't get the car to run after resetting the timing. Since I was there, I put in an electronic distributer. Now it's snowballing. Could the leak be from the valve covers? There were no gaskets when I pulled them, I put in new ones.

Thanks for helping a moron...

 

Did you put in an electronic ignition or an electronic distributor? Did you pull the distributor?

You may want to start over. Find TDC, insert distributor, static set 10 degrees. Then time from there. Also, check to see that you got all your plug wires back on good, none crossed, and all vacuum lines in good shape.

 

If you over tighten the valve u may get a rough and high idle as well and be running on 6 or 7 cylinders. I think you have to do as james suggests and if still a prob check u have not over tighten the valves.

 

Follow James advice. In addition, if you don't already own avacuum gauge, buy one. They usually come with a trouble shooting list. Connect it to a full vacuum port on the manifold or off the base of the carb. If you have power brakes "T" off ofthe vac supply to the booster.On a stock engine, your vac should be about 17-20 in.HG.Since you stated you adjusted the valves, it is possible they are adjusted too tight, a lower than normal reading is indicative of this. A vac gauge is a great carb adjusting tool, as well.
The key here, is go back to basicsin tunening.
Good Luck!

 

vacuum gauge FTW thats how i found out bout my valve problem

 

hey Brandon,

See it works! You "rock" bud!

Now, pass it forward!