Re: 401 operating temperature

[farna@xxxxxxx]

8 degrees initial sounds about right. What fuel are you running -- regular? In that case DEFINITELY back down to 8 degrees. I'm pretty sure there is an adjustable vac advance for a Motorcraft distributor. Try the local parts stores -- not the chain stores, the one that supplies most of the local racers. They should know. Going back to a 190-195 thermostat will likely help too. And as Jim suggested -- if the catalytic converter is original it's probably toast. Luckily you can get big bore replacements from Summit and Jeg's for under $100. Check them for an adj. vac advance too. The two degrees less advance may work good without reducing vac advance though.

On July 15, 2005 Bill Dettman wrote:

Thanks all for your help!
My initial timing is now at 10-degrees. The vacuum pulls it another 15-degrees. I'm thinking of backing it off to about 8 and replacing the thermostat and reducing antifreeze concentration. 
What makes me think about this is the fact that back in '74 when the car was new, they were built to be driven in all climates pulling trailers up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. I'm just trying to duplicate that and add my bolt-on stuff I mentioned before, which should not make that much difference. 
I initially did have an air pocket when I first put the engine in the car, but I soon took care of that.
Does anyone make an adjustable vacuum advance for the Motorcraft distributor? I'd like to back off the vacuum some.
Thanks again!


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