Start-up Advice 71B

I am ready (but scared) to start up the B after restoring the engine compartment; installed Pertronix distributor form Jeff, in original position. Also had Su's refurbished from Hap, replaced heater-water valve, valve cover gasket, hoses, redid wiring to new turn signals (was melted from bare wire contact), replaced heater blower motor, plugs and wires, new coil from Jeff....when I start, do I need to turn on the ignition several times to have the fuel bowls filled? Any special advice? Bob Decker, Mesa, AZ.
I will have my trusty fire extinguisher by my side.

Turn the key to the ignition (red lamp on) position. You will hear the fuel pump ticking. Once it stops ticking, the fuel bowls are filled.

You'll hear the pump go crazy when you turn the key to run (not start). Just give it a moment to slow down and your bowls will be full. This would also be a good time to recheck your wiring for smoke issues ;)

Have your fire extinguisher handy and try to get her going. Timing will probably be whacked out and from my experience Pertronix units tend to be more advanced than stock so you'll probably have to retard things a bit. I think Jeff can verify that.

Yep, the timing may be a bit advanced, and your timing may be a bit off from a change in position of the vacuum advance. Have the timing light ready and the distributor loose enough to be able to adjust it a few degrees (or use the adjustment knob) should it need a bit of tinkering. Just double check all your connections and check for fuel leaks before you fire up the igniton!

Jeff,

Can I just adjust timing with the thumb screw by the vacuum advance, or do I need to loosen the dustributor...Bob

Likely you will need to loosen the Dizzy as it could be 10+ degrees off.

Get a helper as fuel leaks are the greatest concern and are likely with the carbs being off. We put two on last weekend. We fixed leaks in gas and water.

Larry

There should be somewhere from 8-12 degrees of adjustment with the thumb screw. Each hash mark near the cone-end of the advance is about 4 degrees, and I usually adjust the advance to be about centered at 12 degrees (3 marks) out from being screwed in tight. That can be much more advanced than the original position, so initial adjustment really should be made with the clamp loose, then fine adjustments with the thumb screw. Either typically works fine though!