How to check timing

[madkaw]

No, you want to see what the total MECHANICAL advance is.

The vacuum from the no load scenerio in your garage would probably pull in additional timing.

[rcb280z]

Doesn't he need to have the vacuum advance connected to check "vacuum advance"?

Have I been doing it wrong all this time?

Edited August 4, 2013 by rcb280z

[beermanpete]

Check the mechanical advance separately (remove vacuum hose) and then check the vacuum advance separately at idle by connecting the vacuum servo to a vacuum pump (Mighty-Vac) or manifold vacuum. Add the 2 together for the total. There are advance curves for each in the factory service manuals. If everything is working properly they will compare favorably to the factory data.