[scouthead]

my '76 FJ55 is bone stock with the REtard distributer...
A retard dist. still has mechanical advance right? Or does the timing always run on the ragged edge of advancement and retard as needed?...If it has mech. advance also, then how/when/why does the diaphram retard the spark? Does the switch on the throttle pedal have anything to do with the distributer, or does it get routed to the carb or something(only gets depressed at almost W.O.T.)?

My diaphram on my distr. seems to be really stiff. If I suck through the hose conected to it, I have to suck as hard as I can and then it clicks. Should it be moving gradually,or is it just on and off??

[ranger]

It should move gradually. Seems like yours is sticking, probably be a good idea to take it apart, clean things up, and lightly lube the pivot points.

[scouthead]

Disasembly??!!- NOOOOOOOOOOOO!! (I Just put it all back together! )
oh well...

[Pin_Head]

Unless you need to pass an emissions test, just plug the vacuum retard line, make sure it is fully advanced and fuggedaboutit.

As long as the mechanical advance works properly, you are good to go.

The switch on the trottle pedal is an input to the smog computer, but I forgot what it does and I'm too lazy to look it up unless you need this info to pass an emisions test. If I had to guess I would guess it opens the power valve in the carb.