ignition and carburetor tune up

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

84K30

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2019
Posts
156
Reaction score
64
Location
SWPA
First Name
Eric
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K30
Engine Size
454
I am planning on replacing the ignition control module, rotor, cap, coil, wires and plugs on my K30 this coming Sunday. I would like to verify, and adjust the timing, if necessary.

The truck runs as it sits but I would like to replace them since have no idea when any of these components were last changed. I will not have to worry about finding TDC on the #1 cylinder I do not remove the distributor from the engine or loosen the hold down clamp bolt while replacing these components, correct?

I've spent approximately 2 hours searching this website and the factory service manual for baseline timing specs and idle speed. The manual states refer to "Vehicle Emission Control Information Label" for timing specs. I have read that this label most often appears on the underside of the the hood or on the radiator support. Either I'm blind or someone removed it at some point.

I have read (on various internet forums) anywhere from 4 degrees BTC and 12 degrees BTC at idle. I have also read 36-38 degrees at 2500-2800rpm as a figure for total timing. Are these figures correct? I do have a timing light that displays total timing and engine rpm.

My truck came from the factory with a 454. The original carb has been replaced with an Edelbrock 1406 with an electric choke at some point.

I read to use the manifold vacuum port (drivers side on the 1406) to adjust the mixture screws and should expect to see close to 20 in Hg at the proper setting. Is this correct?

What should the idle and "high" idle speeds be set to? I understand to let the engine get up to temperature and to remove and plug the vacuum advance hose coming off the distributor while setting timing and idle speeds.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this post and for responding if you happen to know the information that I am seeking. Also, I would like to thank any veterans who read this for their service to our great country.
 

Craig 85

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Posts
3,892
Reaction score
4,036
Location
Nashville, TN
First Name
Craig
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K30 SRW
Engine Size
454/TH-400/NP205
My truck is an early production '85, so it has '84 emissions. Here's the air cleaner label for a California emissions truck.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach
 

84K30

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2019
Posts
156
Reaction score
64
Location
SWPA
First Name
Eric
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K30
Engine Size
454
It would seem as though you are the man with the answers to all of my questions. I really appreciate the help! Thank you.
 

Craig 85

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Posts
3,892
Reaction score
4,036
Location
Nashville, TN
First Name
Craig
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K30 SRW
Engine Size
454/TH-400/NP205
At least with stock stuff. Stupid California emissions.
 

84K30

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2019
Posts
156
Reaction score
64
Location
SWPA
First Name
Eric
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K30
Engine Size
454
I really appreciate it, Craig. I can't believe that there is still a car culture in CA with all of their laws and sky high gas prices. Unfortunately, I had to stop driving my truck already due to their liberal use of salt in southwest PA. Sunday is supposed to be nice so I plan to pull the truck out of the garage and tackle these two projects before it put it up on jack stands, put the battery on a trickle charger and put some stabil in the tank.
 
Top