<VV> Detonation woes

[BobHelt at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/22/2006 8:49:42 PM US Mountain Standard Time,  
lloydscorvan at yahoo.com writes:

Is it  possible to use another one from another engine that is not a 102 h.p. 
Since I  have some spare ones laying around, is there a part # that is 
compatible?  Thanks for all the suggestions from my past questions.    



Hi
Sure you can change distributors, but I really wonder about this  problem.
First, are you SURE that it is detonation you are getting and not some  other 
kind of noise?
 
What is the history of this engine? has it always had this detonation? Or  
have some changes been made, or work done on the engine?
 
If you are really sure, then I suggest you buy/borrow a dial back  timing 
light. About $30 at Autozone or similar parts houses. Remove the VA hose  and 
plug it. Then connect the light to the #1 plug wire and with the engine  running 
in neutral (brake set) , check the actual timing at idle, 1000rpm, and  
2000rpm. You should be about 13 deg at idle,  18 deg at 1000, and 25 deg at  2000. 
Just for a final check, rev the engine to around 4500 rpm and see if the  total 
advance is about 35-37 degrees. You may need an assistant to hold the  
throttle steady while you do the dialbacks.
Let us know what you find.
 
Regards,
Bob Helt