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Triumph TR6 - Vaccuum Retard

How does one tell if the vacuum retard is cooked? There is slight movement (1/32) when a vacuum is applied and no change to the idle. Does this indicate a faulty diaphram?
BC

Hi,
If you can get hold of a vacuum pump with a gauge and attach it directly to the vacuum retard unit
(with the engine off) and pump it up to about 17lbs. It will hold there if your diaphragm is good..
depending on the shape of it it may drop slowly or not hold vac at all.
Charlie
Charlie Ballard

I think its cooked. It doesn't hold a vacuum at all. Expensive little items as well.
Thx.
BC
Bryn

Bryn--Although my vac capsule still pulls, I believe there are several TR owners who run fine without the retard functional. I get the impression it's not absolutely necessary. One thing you should consider doing is blocking off the bypass valves on your Strombergs to get the desired 900 or so idel rpm.

Rick O.
Rick Orthen

Bryn
I spoil my car. Whatever it needs. However it is my understanding that the retard function is only for emissions. This is probably the only thing on my car that doesn't work. I just put a blockage inside the line and hooked it backup so that everything looks as it should. Advanced the timing some and everything runs great. And save your money.

Doug
Doug Campbell

You don't need the retard, infact the car runs better without it (unit still attached but vac lines disconnected), as it is much easier to establish a smoother and more consistant idle. You do however have to leave the internals of unit connected to the sliding plate inside the distributor. If the push/pull rod moves freely it will throw off the timing and you will have all sorts of problems.
Steven

Wow. Problems solved. Turns out I had the timing so far out of whack the car was running terribly. So the vacuum is off, timing advanced (according to sound and smooth running rather than the timing marks) and varoom! What a difference! Its F-A-S-T off the line, much better fuel comsumption (20 MPH+)and NO MORE MISFIRING!!! HURRAY! Thanks to all for the input; the TR is no longer threatened with eBay.
B
Bryn

Hey Bryn

Glad to hear

Ear tuning is Ok. But you might want to find out why the rest is off? May save some problems in the future.

I imagine the backfiring was also somewhat hampering the Girl Friends disaster therapy after your last escapades. Hows she doing anyway? :)

Bill
Bill Brayford

Both Girl Friend and car are spinning along nicely. Actually, now that I've got the timing sorted, its like a different world. Heaps better performance, mid range operating temps and the car is running better too. 22 mpg on the 401 this am (!).
Bryn

This thread was discussed between 10/07/2003 and 14/07/2003

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