Retarding initial timing

[speED]

I know retarding initial timing can cause an engine to run hot, has anyone experienced the fuel not burning as well at idle and fouling the plugs.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Sounds like you need a tuner. Where are you?

[speED]

I enjoy tinkering and learning with my car. In my opinion the whole idea of this hobby is to do your own work.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I agree but you have to start somewhere and its going to take experience. 8 years of high school auto shop didn't do much for me. It wasn't till I was an apprentice with hands on experience that made the difference.


When you say timing...are you referring to ignition timing or cam timing.

Are you having a problem with your car or are you just curious.

[speED]

Ignition timing. I put my drag engine into a street car. When I was curving the distributor to prevent detonation the plugs suddenly fouled. Prior to this the car ran fine but there was a little black blotch on two plugs as if the rings were rattled and allowed oil to burn onto the porcelain of the plug. Instead of changing distributor springs I changed the bushing which changed my base timing. I'm going to clean the plugs and put original bushing back in to confirm no other problem. Situation made me wonder if base timing could create fouled plugs.

[Che70velle]

Tell us about this engine, like cubic inch, heads, compression, solid roller, carb, or efi, etc.
What did you change about the combo when you installed you race engine into your street car, in order to cause the detonation, or did you face this issue with this engine in the drag car?