For the heck of it, I wanted to see how the plugs were burning. With only ~3,000 miles on them, they needed changing. (Dan, I don't know if the motor arrived with the plugs or not). I also changed to "regular offering" plugs from what was in there (can't remember). Anyway, I also bought the el cheapo "Master Pro" distributor cap and rotor. MY ADVICE: STAY AWAY FROM MASTER PRO. After changing the parts out, the engine ran great.... for a little while, then developed a long duration of a intermittent miss. The engine would finally go back to norm - then start that carp again. I changed back to the original cap and rotor and everything is fine now. I can't see any 'physical' defects so I don't really know what to say other than, I won't use that brand again. BTW, the PN's (ie, plural) on the dizzy cap are: BWD C193 STD FD151 and NIE FF78 The PN's (ie, plural again) on the rotor are: BWD D219 STD FD118 and NIE FF59A Reference: "Buttercup" has the 250 with the Duraspark ignition. I also played with the timing after I got it running better. I am running 93 octane and was able to advance the timing to 14deg BTDC! It really perked the little engine up! Throttle response is much better. I also re-torqued the cam and head bolts (why? because I wanted to). I also noticed the lower most gasket from the carb "spacer plate" to the intake had extruded. I went ahead and made the upper and lower intake gaskets and replaced them (3 out of 3 auto parts store didn't have the gaskets). Anyway, once the plugs were changed, the carb gaskets replaced, the "old" distributor cap and rotor put back on, and the timing advanced, I could lower the idle rpm to a "kinder, gentler" idle. This, in turn, made the car MUCH more driver friendly. I started a thread a few days ago about how I had to really stand on the brakes at a stop to keep the car from edging forward. With the lower idle, I don't have to do that anymore. Coming to a stop is much easier now also. The idle had to be so high before, that it was allowing the torque converter to "kick in". Now, when I release the brake at a light, the car will barely ease forward - unlike what it used to do - leap forward. Also, the previous owner (the famous and honorable Mr. Hines) had taken really good care of the engine bay. I took the time to go back over it and clean it again (as this is my daily driver and the road film builds up). It looks really nice. I hope to keep it that way - for Dan and myself. I also put on a Ford 3-spoke "Sport" wheel today too (I'd gotten it off Ebay a while back). The thicker, softer rim feels much better than the skinny wheel I was used to. Anyway, "Buttercup" got a well deserved treat today. She runs excellent now and the engine shines again.
...sounds like that...girl dog...has a ...son...that is "not telling the truth". ...Earls' bestest friend :evilsmile ...
Great going Rick,, always glad to see someone tinkering with these cars and having positive results. Dan
