- I decided that 1200 rpm for idle was stupid. I knew it was fast, but now know it was 1200 because I finally attached a newly bought fancy-dancy timing light that had an RPM indicator. I also learned it was running at 27 degrees advance. I dialed down the advance by twisting the distributor, and adjusted the idle speed by turning random screws on the carb (I had some wine earlier) but realized there was no vacuum on the distributor hose. I attached my Mity-Vac to the vacuum line, and nothing registered. Also attached it to the distributor and pumped it up to -20, but no change in the idle speed. Any ideas what's up? It's a '76, mostly desmogged, but still has that mystery box on the driver's side with all the vacuum hoses attached. I obviously suck at this stuff. Any help?