Plymouth PA

[broker-len]

have a 32 PA     just rebuilt the motor      pistons, rings, valves, guides, head shaved, all new  gaskets, took time setting the tappet clearance.   ------------------at idle I get 15 pounds of vacuum----when taken from windshield wiper port-----and as all got 4 cylinders it bounces around a bit     have not check compression ------------------any ideas  ??   

[Guest DodgeKCL]

Valves, most likely, Len. 15 lbs. vacuum is the best you,ll get. I've been told by the 'old guys' that the bouncing around of the needle was caused by sticking valves. Did you put prestart guide lube on the valve stems and guides as you reassembled the engine? (You should have also put prestart lube on the connecting rod bearings and mains.) It may get better with time and engine oil getting around the engine but you may just always have it. It is annoying but not dangerous.   

[broker-len]

I got it to operating temp and use the vacuum gage two time it       running better and smoother  16 to 17  LBs      and shorted out each plug to see it they all are firing       thanks for your help 

[JACK M]

not lbs,

Its inches of mercury.

But we all know what you are talking about.

I also use vacuum to set timing sometimes, works well.