Expert: Brad Sears - 6/16/2010

Question
I HAVE A 1963 FORD ECONOLINE VAN WITH A STOCK 170/110 6 CYLINDER AND I WANT TO TUNE IT. I HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED THIS IN YEARS. I RECALL IT WAS SIMPLE ENOUGH BUT I DO NOT REMEMBER THE PROCEDURE. CAN YOU HELP? I WOULD LIKE TO GO STEP BY STEP IN A PROPER ORDER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. DAVE

Answer
There are as many answers to this question as there are mechanics and car makes and models. The best that I can offer is the procedure that we taught when I was a trainer for Sun Electric, the makers of test equipment. Now this is from memory so there may be one or two steps out of order, as this was what we taught 40 years ago.
1. Visual inspection of all under hood components.
2. Battery load test, generator output test, an starter draw test. Clean battery cables.
  If the electrical system
  is not functioning properly the engine will not start and run properly.
3. Remove spark plugs keeping them in order.
4. Compression test. If there is a weak cylinder a tune up will not correct bad operation.
5. Install new spark plugs.
6. Remove distributor cap and rotor. Test resistance of the spark plug wires.
7. Service points and condenser.
8. Install new rotor and cap if needed.
9. Install plug wires.
10. Start and warm engine and set timing.
11. Adjust carburetor
12. Road test.